Summer Super Spotter Challenge at Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve

Explore the woodland trails at RSPSB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve this summer on this fun self-led activity and see what wild discoveries you can make! July is a great time to find lots of creatures out and about. See how many creatures on your activity sheet you can find, discover fun facts about them and claim your prize back at the visitor centre once you’re finished. Activity packs cost £4 and are available to purchase from the reserve.

Rainbow Turtle Green Planet Summer Sessions

Rainbow Turtle is organising a series of FREE kids’ workshops in Seedhill, Paisley this July. Suitable for children aged 3-12 years and open to people with all skill levels and abilities. Explore topics related to biodiversity, environmental protection and global citizenship through fun activities, arts and crafts. To find out more and sign up, please email education@rainbowturtle.org.uk.

Community Centres

There’s a jam-packed schedule of free and affordable summer activities for the whole family across OneRen venues. From sports sessions to outdoor activities and even children’s magic shows perfect for those rainy days, we’ve got you covered. Visit the OneRen website for more information.

Free and £1 meals for kids

If you fancy going out for a bite to eat, make sure to check this list of restaurants and cafes offering free or £1 meals for kids. Lots of supermarket and store cafés offer ‘kids eat free’ deals or similar during the school holidays. Cut the cost of eating out with these amazing deals!

Kids’ cinema screenings

Why not head to the cinema to see a kids’ film. It’s not just the films that are kid friendly, but the prices are too – starting as low as £2.50 a ticket on most weekend and school holiday mornings. Head to Cineworld, Odeon, or Vue, and be sure to check the participating cinemas and times. If none of the kids’ screenings take your fancy, check out these tips and tricks to help you save some money on your next cinema visit.

Summer in Renfrewshire doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little planning, you can fill the school holidays with adventure, creativity, and plenty of fun memories right on your doorstep.

Winter is a great time to explore what the night sky has to offer. The dark nights make this time of year the perfect opportunity to do some stargazing. Away from the bright and busy landscape of Glasgow, Renfrewshire has some excellent spots for stargazing. Whether you’re a stargazing pro or looking for a new hobby in 2025, this beginner’s guide to winter stargazing makes sure that everyone can get involved.

What can you expect to see?

During the winter months, you will be able to see a variety of celestial objects including planets, constellations, and meteor showers.

Constellations

Orion, Taurus, and Gemini are prominent winter constellations. Look out for Orion’s Belt, a distinctive pattern of three bright stars.

Planets

Keep an eye out for these four planets that will be visible in the night sky:

• Venus shines brightly in the West at dusk and sets about an hour after the Sun. It is the brightest object in the sky, after the Sun and the Moon.
• Saturn is low in the Southern sky and is visible as soon as it is dark, setting around 10pm. Although it is getting earlier each night. By the end of January, it will be below the horizon by 9pm.
• Jupiter is high in the sky and visible all night. It is the brightest object in the sky after Venus and currently lies in the constellation of Taurus the Bull.
• You can find Mars in the constellation of Gemini. Mars rises around 7pm and is visible all night. It’s easy to spot by its distinctive red colour.

Meteor showers

The Quadrantid meteor shower is the first big astronomical event of 2025. Nowadays, the shower is associated with the constellation of Bootes the Herdsman. To find this, follow the handle of the Plough as it curves downwards, pointing to Arcturus, the brightest star in Bootes.

Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, but if you follow their trail back and they lead you to Bootes, then it is likely that it was a Quadrantid meteor. The Quadrantids are active from 26 December to 12 January. At the peak, you can see up to 120 meteors per hour, in ideal conditions.

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!

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

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.

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.”

We have pulled together some of Renfrewshire’s quirky and unusual days out that are packed full of fun and are just a bit different to your standard family outing.

Theatre on the Lawn – Finlaystone Country Park

Pack a picnic, bring a rug and join Mr Todd, Mole, Ratty and Badger on their mad-cap adventures in Quantum Theatre’s adaptation of Wind in the Willow’s, taking place in the gorgeous grounds of Finlaystone Country Park. Make sure you pack for all weather, even if it is raining, as they say in the industry – the show must go on!

• Where: Finlaystone Country Park
• When: Friday 7 July, 5.50pm – 7pm
• Price: Adult £16, Child £11, Family £46

Renfrew Comic Con – Robertson Park

Calling all superheroes, and villains. It’s time to dress up the kids…and adults and fly over to Robertson Park in Renfrew for the BGCP Comic Con. Meet your favourite characters and browse over 50 traders selling toys and crafts. Pack a power snack and liquid fuel to make a day of it in the park.

• Where: Robertson Park, Renfrew
• When: Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July, 10am – 4pm
• Price: Free entry

BRICKLIVE Mythical Beasts – Paisley

It’s not every day you see a nine headed water serpent or an immortal winged horse in Paisley town centre. This summer, thanks to the BRICKLIVE Mythical Beasts trail you will. This exciting unusual day out brings the fascinating world of creatures from mythology to life using toy bricks. Meet the Hippogriff, a legendary creature with the front half of an eagle and the hind half of a horse or track down the wise Owl of Athena and listen our for the melody of the mermaid, or the roar of the feared one-eyed Cyclops. There are 18 different BRICKLIVE models to find, pick up a trail leaflet and a free activity sheet from the Paisley Centre and the Piazza Shopping Centre and let the adventure begin!

• Where: Paisley Town Centre
• When:  Saturday 24 June until Sunday 13 August
• Price: Free

Strawberry picking – East Yonderton Farm

Juicy strawberries and sunny summer days – does it get any better? Strawberry picking season has officially started but be quick they won’t be around for long. Entry is free and you pay for what you pick. Call ahead to reserve your space – 0141 889 3492.

• Where: East Yonderton Farm
• When: Daily throughout the summer, until the fruit has all been picked.
• Price: Free entry, pay for what you pick

Wild Night – Finlaystone Country Park

Wild Night at Finalystone is a great camping experience out for kids and adults. Pitch up at Finalystone Country Park with all your essentials; tent, sleeping bags, food and refreshments.

There will be a welcoming family campsite with a large campfire and games for the kids all hosted by a Senior Scout who can also help you with any questions you might have about pitching your tent or building a den.

• Where: Finlaystone Country Park
• When:  Saturday 22 July
• Price: Adult £18.50, Child £14

Summer Film Sessions – Ikea Glasgow

You normally see pop up cinemas in car parks, a park or even on a roof top but it’s not every day one pops up in your local furniture store. Ikea Glasgow are hosting three nights of family movies which are free to Ikea family members (free to sign up. For an unusual day out (or should we say night our) at the cinema visit their website and book in now.

• Where: Ikea, Braehead Shopping Centre
• When:  Monday 17 to Wednesday 19 July
• Price: Free

We can’t wait to tread the boards at RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve with the opening of a new 400m boardwalk.

Visitors have been enjoying the wildlife at the RSPB Lochwinnoch wetland and woodland site for years. Now, visitor access has just got even better with a new circular path letting people explore more of what the nature reserve has to offer.

The boardwalk closes 400 metres of the gap in a circular route around the Aird Meadow Loch. The new route means a new waterside walk, better access to view water birds and and wonderful scenic views of the loch.

The route ends at a viewpoint beside the Peel Tower. This scheduled monument was consolidated last year as part of the Garnock Connections project. The 16^th century fortified tower was built by the Sempill family as a ‘safe place’ in times of war but, until now, most visitors to RSPB Lochwinnoch did not know it was there.

RSPB Scotland have completed the construction thanks to generous support from Visit Scotland’s Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, as part of the Garnock Connections landscape partnership scheme.

Tabby Lamont, RSPB Scotland Site Manager at Lochwinnoch, said: “The new boardwalk is a real game-changer for the nature reserve.  It will allow our visitors to experience new views and see so much more of the incredible wildlife here, not to mention the Peel Tower, that hardly anyone even knew was there.

“At the same time, it means our staff and volunteers can easily access the site and make sure it’s safely managed for everyone and for the wildlife that uses the loch.  We’re really looking forward to celebrating this with everyone who has helped us to make the project happen.”

Immersing yourself in nature, getting up close to the history of a place, or just going places without the car – there are plenty of ways to enjoy Slow Travel in Renfrewshire.

What is slow travel?

Slow travel is about making connections with a place, creating personal memories, and finding a peace and calm by taking things one step at a time. It’s about switching off from your phone, heading into nature, stopping to admire the view, and taking your time. Just like microadventuring, slow travel in Renfrewshire can be about changing your perception of a place.

“When we stop, close our eyes and listen when out in nature, something magical happens. The sounds of nature hold so much power and help heal our everyday stresses fears and anxieties”. Jack Cairney, Founder Hidden Scotland

Getting outside

If you’re looking for a great place to walk in Renfrewshire, we have plenty to offer. From long hikes across vast open moorland and gentle strolls along lochs to peaceful woodlands and hidden waterfalls.

If cycling is more your thing, we have incredible connections thanks to the Sustrans National Cycle Network, as well as some gentle easy cycling around our towns and villages.

And being outside doesn’t have to mean a big hike. Sitting in your local park, or out in your garden, can be just as good for your health and wellbeing. Barshaw Park Walled Peace Garden is an oasis of calm not far from Paisley town centre. And if you don’t have a garden yourself, getting involved with your local allotment or growing ground can be a great way to be connected to the land and community around you.

Taking time for yourself

In a world full of work and technology, it can be hard to find the time to switch off. But the benefits for your mental and physical health are huge. Nature can improve your mood and help you feel more connected to the spaces and people around you. It can improve your physical health and help you feel more relaxed.

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park ranger led walk

Get out in a group

A great introduction to connecting with nature can be to get outside with an organised group. RSPB Lochwinnoch have several ranger-led events throughout the year aimed at getting you out into nature, including wellbeing walks. Active Communities based in Johnstone have regular walks aimed at making connections with both nature and community. Paisley Ramblers host regular walks of various lengths including trips further afield. And OneRen have a range of walking groups across Renfrewshire all aimed at getting you outside, exploring your local area and making connections.

Helping others travel slowly

If you want to go exploring but aren’t sure where to start. Or if you just want to connect with the paths around you in a meaningful way. There are a few projects that you could get involved in.

Scottish Paths Map is a project from Ramblers UK. The aim is to walk and record every path in Scotland, including all those that aren’t shown on regular maps. There are over 42,000 miles of paths in Scotland, and Ramblers UK are looking for volunteers to help audit the project.

Slowways is a UK-wide network that uses existing paths, ways, trails and roads. You can use Slow Ways routes to walk or wheel between neighbouring settlements and combine them to create longer trips. You can sign up to the website, choose a route, walk it and then review it. The reviews help others understand what the terrain is like, how easy the route is, and any interesting features.

Both the Scottish Paths Map and Slowways UK are great resources for route planning. The interactive maps are a great place to start if you are looking for new places to explore.

Ramblers UK Scottish Path Map excerpt showing paths in Johnstone

Tell us where you like to go running in Renfrewshire

Do you have a set route round the block, or do you have a favourite local trail?

We want to hear from you.

Music and arts journalist and broadcaster Nicola Meighan takes a look Paisley’s popular The Spree festival, which is back with another brilliant line-up this September.

In 2012, Paisley’s cultural stomping ground was shaken up thanks to a new music, arts and comedy festival called The Spree. Since then, it’s revelled in the town’s history, landscape and architecture, bringing homegrown stars like The Twilight Sad, Paolo Nutini, Justin Currie and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra to Paisley Abbey, and global icons like Martha Reeves and Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi to Paisley Town Hall.

The Spree’s kaleidoscopic crowning glory is its glorious Salon Perdu Spiegeltent in the town centre, which has become the festival’s lively, yet cosy and intimate home in recent years, hosting – among many others – The Bluebells, Arab Strap, The Rezillos and Kathryn Joseph, and all of 2022’s shows will take place under its picturesque canvas.

This year’s programme reflects Paisley’s touchstones of tradition and innovation (Highlands and Islands folk rock favourites Tide Lines play on September 1), its folk roots (Fife’s Barbara Dickson and Rab Noakes – both enduring collaborators and friends of Gerry Rafferty – are set to bring their treasure trove of songs to life on September 7), and its punk exuberance (Glasgow pop livewire Clare Grogan and Altered Images are live on September 9, replete with a new album under their belts), and the town is set to sing out with Scottish music, old and new.

Elsewhere on 2022’s eclectic bill, there’s a chance to see three of the UK’s most influential and best-loved songwriters joining forces. Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Bernard Butler (Suede, McAlmont & Butler), and James Grant (Love and Money) will take to the stage on September 5, performing work from their seminal back catalogues, and no doubt some surprises too.

There’s more indie / classic ‘90s kicks thanks to Ocean Colour Scene’s Simon and Oscar who come armed with ‘The Riverboat Song’, ‘The Day We Caught The Train’ and myriad gems on September 2 – and their band’s deep-seated love of ‘60s counter-culture resonates throughout that weekend, as local charity LNP Productions’ ModStuff bring their all-dayer on September 3, featuring an array of Northern Soul and Mod acts, along with – of course – a Scooter ride out.

For far-flung kicks, West African / Saharan collective and Grammy Award winners Tinariwen are set to raise the Spiegeltent roof with their unmissable fusion of trailblazing world music and soulful desert blues on September 4, which is their only Scottish date this year.

True to its name, The Spree offers a dizzying wealth of music, but there’s also the popular comedy strand which welcomes multiple Scottish comedy award-winner Susie McCabe. A former construction worker who started out in stand-up as a dare, McCabe brings her glorious musings to Paisley on September 10 (alongside Manchester rock rabble Slow Readers Club), weaving narratives as rich and colourful – and entertaining – as Paisley itself.

Nicola Meighan is a music and arts journalist and broadcaster (The Herald, STV, BBC Scotland). She presents the Afternoon Show on BBC Radio Scotland, every Friday, 2-4pm.

Find out more about Paisley’s rich music story with our film below.