Where to stargaze in Renfrewshire

There are several places across Renfrewshire where you can escape the bright city lights and enjoy a clear view of the night sky. You can see about 2,500 stars from a dark sky location, without using any specialist equipment, compared to about only 100 from a busy town or city.

Head to quieter, less populated areas of Renfrewshire such as village outskirts, countryside locations, and local parks, especially those that are further from urban areas.

Visit Go Stargazing: Stargazing in Renfrewshire for more information on all things stargazing in the area.

Tips for beginner stargazers

• Find a dark sky location. The darker the sky, the clearer your view will be and the more stars you will be able to see.
• Give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. It can take 20 to 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the environment.
• Use a star chart or app to help you. A star chart or a stargazing app can help you to identify constellations and celestial objects. Check out the BBC’s Sky at Night online magazine for a list of 14 of the best stargazing apps.
• Wrap up in warm clothing. Winter nights can be chilly, so dress in layers to keep warm.
• Check the weather ahead of time. Cloud-free nights are the best for seeing the stars clearly, so keep an eye on the weather forecast.

So wrap up warm, head to a dark sky location, and get ready to explore the wonderful night sky. Whether you’re tracking planets, spotting constellations, or counting meteors, you’ll be surprised at what you can see.

Happy stargazing!

Top five festive activities in Renfrewshire over the holidays.

Renfrewshire is full of festive cheer this Winter! With a range of affordable activities, you don’t need to break the bank to keep your kids entertained over the holidays.

Here’s five fun and affordable activities in Renfrewshire that are perfect for families during the festive break.

Fully Loaded Christmas at Xsite, Braehead

Visit Braehead for a range of free festive events running until 6 January.

On 21 and 22 December, Elf School runs from 12pm to 4pm. Children can have fun making festive crafts and reindeer food to take home.

Families can also visit the Christmas cottage, a perfect festive photo spot. Walk through this winter wonderland with Santa’s chair and a cosy fireplace feature. This is a great opportunity for making memories.

Christmas films at Paisley Town Hall and Coats

Get into the Christmas spirit by going to see a festive film. Screenings of classic Christmas films including The Polar Express and Elf, are showing at Paisley Town Hall from 20 to 23 December and Coats on 23 and 24 December.

Santa’s Missing Reindeer at Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve

Head to Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve to join the search for Santa’s missing reindeer.

As you explore the woodland trail, try to spot the missing reindeer and look out for some wildlife. If you find all the reindeer and complete the activity sheet, you’ll get a special reward.

This costs £3.50 per pack and is available daily throughout December while the visitor centre is open.

Paisley’s Christmas

There’s plenty of festive fun for all the family at Paisley’s Christmas until 28 December (excluding Christmas and Boxing Day). With lots to see and do across the town centre, here’s some highlights:

• Complete the free Cosy Christmas Trail and search for characters hiding in local business windows, you could even win a prize. Plus, there will be a free Christmas chocolate treat for every child who completes it!

• Go ice skating at the under cover outdoor ice rink. If you live in a PA postcode you will get 20% off your ticket price when you book online.

• Soak up the festive atmosphere at the funfair. Whether you’re adventurous or prefer a more relaxed experience, there’s plenty to enjoy suiting everyone.
• Take in the festive window displays created by local businesses hoping to win ‘Best Dressed Christmas Window”. Pick up a leaflet from the Paisley First leaflet racks in the Piazza or Paisley Centre to make sure you see them all.

The Bungalow Kids Christmas Show, Paisley

Enjoy a live singalong performance at the Bungalow Kids Christmas show on Sunday 29 December. Tickets costs £10 per child with 2 adults per child or family group able to go for free. This also includes a drink, snack, and a present from Santa.

Explore winter walks in Renfrewshire

We’ve got the great outdoors right on our doorstep, and no matter the season, it’s worth getting outside for. This list of winter walks in Renfrewshire has loads to offer walkers and wildlife explorers.

So wrap up warm and blow those cobwebs away with our pick of the best winter walks near you.

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

There’s lots of walks and trails to be explored in Scotland’s largest regional park. If it’s a good view you’re after, take a wander up Windy Hill from Muirshiel Visitor Centre and look out across Renfrewshire and the Firth of Clyde. It’s just over a mile to the top from the carpark, so you’ll only need an hour or so of clear weather to conquer it!

Or if you prefer to be by the water, we recommend following the lochshore trail along the shores of Castle Semple Loch. If it’s nice you might spot a few sail boats and windsurfers out on the water as well as some of the wildlife that call the loch home.

RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve

Between November and March, the RSPB Nature Reserve in Lochwinnoch is a temporary home for hundreds of wildfowl that fly south to escape the harsh Arctic winter. Stroll to the Aird Meadow Loch at this time of year and you’ll be rewarded with sightings of goldeneye (a type of duck, not the bond film…), goosander, whooper swans and the occasional hen harrier.

Gleniffer Braes

A sprawling country park to the south of Paisley. You’ll find ‘the braes’ boasts an incredible view that stretches all the way to Ben Lomond and beyond. Our favourite spots include the waterfall in the Glen Park (a popular spot for photographers). As well as the trail through Bluebell Woods to the Glenpatrick Burn. This path is fondly referred to as the ‘Brandy Burn’ due to the dark-golden colour it turns after a spell of heavy rain!

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take our full tour of the Gleniffer Braes from top to bottom.

Paisley Walking Trail

For those who prefer to wander with a coffee in hand, why not head out around the town. Paisley boasts an historic town centre that’s home to a stunning range of heritage and history. While you’re out, see if you can spot the alien gargoyle on Paisley Abbey. Or seek out the hidden murals around Brown’s Lane—Paisley’s creative quarter. Wherever you wander, you’ll never be far from some great places to eat too.

Is your go to winter walk not mentioned? Let us know where you would recommend by emailing hello@paisley.is

Tell us about your community event

Do you know of a summer gala day or community event taking place in your town or village?

We want to hear from you.

Unleash the roar! Iconic dinosaurs are coming to Paisley this summer.

Paisley First re bringing Iconic Bricks Dinosaurs to Paisley town centre – don’t miss this fun and free family day out!

Marvel at the amazing brick-built dinosaurs as Paisley town centre goes Jurassic from Saturday 22 June until Monday 19 August.

This exciting free trail brings the fascinating world of dinosaurs to life using toy bricks.There are 18 Iconic Bricks models to find – be wowed by the impressive Triceratops, a colourful Stegosaurus and a huge Iguanodon to name just a few, not forgetting the adorable herd of baby dinosaurs!

Running every day of the school summer holidays, take part in the trail and you can enter a raffle to win one of the baby dinos, Teddy the T-Rex.

Chair of Paisley First, Elaine Templeton, said: “We know that our summer brick trails are a huge hit with families of all ages from across Scotland, and we know dinosaurs are even bigger, so we can’t wait to welcome visitors to Paisley this summer for this iconic free day out!”

Once the trail is underway, just pick up a trail leaflet and your free activity sheet from leaflet racks in the Paisley Centre and the Piazza Shopping Centre and let the adventure begin. Once you have completed the trail, post your entry forms into the Iconic Dinosaurs post-boxes in either shopping centre to enter a prize draw with two children’s summer hampers up for grabs.

Paisley is the only place to be this summer – it’s going to be Dino-mite!

Pull on your trainers and join in – taking in some of Paisley’s most iconic landmarks along the way!

Just click on the link below to sign up:

Sign up for Paisley 10k Road Race with Fun Run 2024

My 10k story

Following an accident 6 years ago, Dr Julie McElroy found her options more limited, but in 2023 she completed the Paisley 10k with the help of her Frame Runner.

Julie said: “Last year, the cheers from my fellow runners when they were shouting ‘keep left’ so that I could bypass some of the slower runners was immensely helpful. It’s great when navigating downhill and through the bustling high street, feeling energised by the supportive crowd.”

Julie added that participating in the Paisley 10k with a Frame Runner allowed her to advocate for inclusion, demonstrating her capability to engage in mainstream activities alongside others – and it reminds her of her past. She said: “Paisley has been integral to my journey. Spending a decade studying at the University of the West of Scotland, Paisley Campus holds significant memories for me. Being able to run alongside everyone and experience the atmosphere, passing through familiar streets makes the navigation and enjoyment worthwhile.”

Euan McCracken has run the Paisley 10k twice and is keen to beat his personal best.

He said: “I find the event a tremendous experience. Not only does it encourage an impressive number of runners across the country, but also attracts a big crowd who create a terrific atmosphere throughout the town. You can really feed off the crowd energy to push through the finish line.

Chris Brown is determined to better his five previous times for the ‘bragging rights’, particularly as he’s ‘not getting any younger’.

He added: “Running round our Paisley landmarks with the huge numbers that come to support and cheer you on is a great feeling. The route is always lined with people cheering you on and its never dull. The home straight and finish line are always exciting and gives you that wee boost when you need it!”

But it’s not all serious runners. Angela Hamilton from Lochwinnoch took part in last year’s Fun Run with her 5-month-old daughter, Poppy. Her husband ran his first 10k and was so inspired, he signed up for the 2024 London Marathon.

Angela said: “The event allowed me to take part in the Fun Run with my daughter in the pram, so it meant that I wasn’t having to miss out and I was able to take her along with me. It is also local to me and a great excuse for a different activity to do as a family.”

Discover our top ten indoor places for kids and families

It’s cold and wet outside and you’ve been cooped up in the house all day. The phrase “I’m bored” has been uttered more than a few times.

Time to get out and explore some of the indoor treats that Renfrewshire has to offer. Here’s our top 10 to get you through the festive school holidays!

Paisley Central Library

The stunning new home for library services in the heart of Paisley is now open and is a great place to stop by with the kids. Head for the children’s library – a bespoke storytelling and play space – packed with cosy book nooks and even a slide. See if you can spot some Daleks and the TARDIS too, courtesy of the Doctor Who exhibition currently on display.

Find out more about visiting Paisley Central Library.

Paisley Town Hall

The newly refurbished town hall is now open and running a great selection of events in the lead up to Christmas. Don’t miss festive film screenings of the Muppets Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life and more! Check out what’s on at Paisley Town Hall here.

IKEA Glasgow

Home to more than just furniture and tasty meatballs, IKEA Glasgow regularly hosts family film screenings, messy play sessions and fun, free activities for kids. Find out what events are coming up – including their New Year Extravaganza.

Soft Play

Nothing burns off post-Christmas energy quite like a trip to soft play, and happily, there’s a few to choose from in Renfrewshire.

For big fun and even bigger slides, head to the Big Adventure in Linwood, or say hello to the kids characters popping up at Pandamonium, Erskine. If you’re in Paisley, the recently opened Furry Murrays – equipped with ball pits, tunnels and more – is well worth a visit too.

Swimming

Goggles at the ready! Paisley’s Lagoon Leisure Centre and On-X Linwood will be open in between Christmas and New Year for swim sessions from 10am and 4pm.

XSITE Braehead

Ten pin bowling. Climbing. Amusements. A giant indoor slide. Cinema. XSITE is the perfect indoor venue jam-packed with things to for all ages. Check out what’s on and their latest offers here.

Angels & Elves Trail

Ok this one isn’t strictly all indoors, but it’s a great opportunity to visit Paisley, do some shopping and grab a bite to eat at one of the many great cafes and restaurants. 10 angels and elves have left the North Pole to spread Christmas magic – can you help Santa find them all? Download your Angels and Elves trail map here.

Stiùireadh air Camanachd

’S e geama ball is caman a tha air a chluich a-muigh air feur a th’ ann an camanachd. Aig amannan air ainmeachadh mar ‘hocaidh gun riaghailtean’ bidh e a’ roinn freumhan le geama iomanachd na h-Èireann.   

 Thèid geama a chluich eadar dà sgioba thairis air dà leth dà fhichead ’s a còig mionaidean. Tha sgiobaidhean air an dèanamh suas de 12 cluicheadair airson fireannaich, no 10 cluicheadairean airson boireannaich.   ’S e an t-amas a bhith a’ faighinn na h-uimhir de tadhail ’s as urrainn thairis air na 90 mionaidean.Mar as trice tha an raon-cluiche eadar 140 agus 170 slat de dh’fhaid agus 70 gu 80 slat a leud. Tha sin còrr is ceithir busaichean nas fhaide na raon ball-coise!  

Tha na puist-tadhail 3.6m de leud agus 3m àrd. Cha bhi tadhalan a’ cunntadh ach ma chleachdas an cluicheadair am bata gus am ball a bhualadh tro na puist-tadhail. Bidh aon cluicheadair a’ dol dhan tadhal.   

’S e caman a th’ air na bataichean. Tha iad 1.1m de dh’fhaid le dubhan air aon cheann. Tha an t-ainm a’ tighinn bhon fhacal Ghàidhlig cam, a’ ciallachadh lùbte neo fiar. Gu traidiseanta tha iad air an dèanamh le uinnseann.   

Tha am ball airson camanachd nas lugha na ball teanas, còmhdaichte le leathar agus tha e gu math cruaidh. Faodaidh cluicheadairean stad a chuir air a’ bhall le bhith a’ cleachdadh am bata, a’ bhroilleach no a chas, ach chan urrainn dhaibh suathadh ris len làmhan. Faodaidh an neach-glèidhidh an làmhan a chleachdadh ged nach urrainn dhaibh am ball a ghlacadh a-mach às an adhar.   

Faodaidh cluicheadairean aghaidh a thoirt air a chèile le am maidean, no leis a’ bhodhaig aca, ged a dh’fheumas aghaidh air bodhaig a bhith gualainn ri gualainn.   

Tòisichidh geama le dithis chluicheadair ann am meadhan na pàirce le na caman aca tarsainn os an cionn. Tilgidh an rèitire am ball suas agus feuchaidh na cluicheadairean ri bhith mar a’ chiad fheadhainn a bhuaileas e. Canar tilgeadh suas ris an seo.   

Tha Cupa a’ Mhòid, ris an canar Cupa na h-Aghaidh Mòire, air a bhith a’ cluich aig a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail bho 1969. Tha geama camanachd aig astar luath, garbh agus sgoinneil ri fhaicinn!

As part of our celebration of the Royal National Mòd being in Paisley this year we wanted to shine a light on some of Renfrewshire’s young trad performers.

We met Emily Fraser at the start of the year for the launch of Mòd Phàislig. The 18-year-old harpist from Paisley has strong family links with the traditional music scene and has even competed in the Mòd in previous years.

Emily has been involved with a number of local arts groups over the years and, most recently, performed as part of the annual Ceilidh Trail tour organised by Fèis Phàislig.

Talking about her family links with Fèis she said: “My aunt was part of the Fèis Arainn (Arran) committee and she would help out a lot. That’s how my sister and I started to go along and how we met Grant who then decided to start the Fèis here in Paisley.”

Emily has been playing the harp for around seven years now. Speaking of her love of the instrument and trad music she commented: “I think the harp is a lovely instrument. It’s got such a lovely tone to it and there are so many different techniques you can try with it as well.

“What appeals to me about trad music is the community that comes along with it. There are so many great people involved in the music scene that you can work with. With the rise in popularity of events like Celtic Connections and the Mòd there are more opportunities for musicians as more people become aware of what trad music can be and want to experience it.”

Emily has competed in the Mòd before as a soloist and also won one of the competitions as part of a harp group. She talked of her excitement of the event taking place in Paisley this year. “I’ve been looking forward to having the Mòd on my doorstep this year. It’s such a great opportunity to get together and boost your musical ability if you’re a performer but it’s also just a great festival to come along, get involved and enjoy as a spectator.”

Mar phàirt den chomharrachadh againn air a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail a bhith ann am Pàislig am-bliadhna bha sinn airson solas a chuir air cuid de luchd-ciùil òga à Siorrachd Rinn Friù.

Choinnich sinn ri Emily Friseal aig toiseach na bliadhna airson cuir air bhog Mhòd Phàislig. Tha ceanglaichean teaghlaich làidir aig a’ chlàrsaiche à Pàislig, a tha 18 bliadhna a dh’aois, ri saoghal a’ chiùil thraidiseanta agus tha i fiù’s air a bhith a’ farpais aig a’ Mhòd sna bliadhnaichean roimhe sin.

Tha Emily air a bhith an sàs ann an grunn bhuidhnean ealain ionadail thar nam bliadhnaichean agus, o chionn ghoirid, chluich i mar phàirt den chuairt bhliadhnail air a’ Chèilidh air Chuairt a bhios Fèis Phàislig a’ cur air dòigh.

A’ bruidhinn mu na ceanglaichean teaghlaich aice ris an Fhèis thuirt i: “Bha piuthar mo mhàthar na pàirt de chomataidh Fèis Arainn agus chuidicheadh i tòrr. Sin mar a thòisich mi fhèin agus mo phiuthar a’ dol ann agus mar a choinnich sinn ri Grant a chuir roimhe an Fhèis a thòiseachadh an seo ann am Pàislig.”

Tha Emily air a bhith a’ cluich na clàrsaich airson timcheall air seachd bliadhna a-nis. A’ bruidhinn mun ghaol a th’ aice air an ionnsramaid agus ceòl traidiseanta, thuirt i: “Tha mi a’ smaoineachadh gur e inneal àlainn a th’ anns a’ chlàrsaich. Tha tòna cho breagha aice agus tha uimhir de dhòighean eadar-dhealaichte ann as urrainn dhut feuchainn leatha cuideachd.

“Is e an rud a tha tarraingeach dhomh mu cheòl traidiseanta a’ choimhearsnachd a tha na chois. Tha uimhir de dhaoine sgoinneil an sàs ann an saoghal a’ chiùil leis an urrainn dhut obrachadh. Leis mar a tha tachartasan leithid Celtic Connections agus am Mòd a’ dol am meud, tha barrachd chothroman ann do luchd-ciùil agus barrachd dhaoine a’ faighinn eòlas air cò ris a dh’fhaodas ceòl traidiseanta a bhith agus ag iarraidh eòlas fhaighinn air.”

Tha Emily air a bhith a’ farpais anns a’ Mhòd roimhe seo mar neach-ciùil agus cuideachd air tè de na farpaisean a bhuannachadh mar phàirt de bhuidheann chlàrsaichean. Bhruidhinn i air an toileachas a th’ aice mun tachartas a tha a’ gabhail àite ann am Pàislig am-bliadhna. “Tha mi air a bhith a’ coimhead air adhart ris a’ Mhòd a bhith air an stairsnich agam am-bliadhna. ’S e deagh chothrom a th’ ann tighinn còmhla agus do chomas ciùil àrdachadh mas e neach-ciùil a th’ annad ach ’s e fìor fhèis a th’ ann cuideachd airson tighinn ann, a dhol an sàs agus tlachd fhaighinn mar neach-amhairc.”

Eilidh Riddell from Paisley Opera on why you want to make sure you catch their unique take on Macbeth this weekend.

“Join Paisley Opera this weekend as they put on the first public performance at Paisley Town Hall with their production of Verdi’s Macbeth, set in 1970s Paisley.

“Paisley Opera are excited to bring this classic story to the heart of Paisley – as usual with a local twist to the plot. Their version follows Macbeth, encouraged by his fiery wife, Lady Macbeth, as he takes down all competition to become the leader of a local gang.

“The women’s chorus – usually a chorus of witches – is a group of women’s libbers who congregate at the local steamie. They’re sick and tired of the men in charge, and to quote, have “had enough of all their shite”.

David Stephenson, who is playing Macbeth himself, told us about his experience of the role in their new take on the classic story:

“Its very true to the Shakespeare – the story, but in a completely different way of putting it across.

“Walking around with two cut-throat razors in my suit is a bit alien to me – it’s not my normal temperament to be that kind of person. It is tricky to get into this gangland mentality, there’s no question about it, but that’s acting!”

The opera is obviously not sung in the original Italian.  They have a brand new “West-of-Scotland” English translation by Lindsay Bramley, and will also have supertitles displayed above the stage so that you always know what’s going on.

They are thrilled to be lead by a cast of stellar professional soloists, including David as Macbeth, who has previously sung the role with Scottish Opera. They will also be accompanied by The Orchestra of Scottish Opera and dynamic local dance group right2dance.

The chorus is over 50 voices strong, made up of a mix of community singers and professionals.

One of Paisley Opera’s chorus members, Elaine, shared her thoughts on their production:

“Having been around in the seventies, having been a part of the stuff that was happening, I think it helps in making it accessible for it to be in a timeframe that some folks will remember that’s no too far back.”

Of course, Paisley Opera are proud to be the first public performance at the new Paisley Town Hall after its refurbishment. We don’t think you’ll want to miss this historic event.

Show times

Macbeth is showing at 7.15pm on Friday 6 – Saturday 7 October with doors opening at 6.45pm. Running time is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including an interval.

Tickets are £20 (£15 concessions, £5 unemployed) with newly-released ‘restricted view’ tickets available for £10 (£5 unemployed).

You can by tickets from OneRen Box Office on 0300 300 1210 or by booking online. If booking online, please look on a desktop browser rather than on a mobile to see the full range of seats available.