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A sensational, dynamic and inclusive programme of concerts, events, exhibitions and workshops has been unveiled for the Royal National Mòd which returns to Paisley between 13 – 21 October 2023.

Scotland’s premier Gaelic cultural event will celebrate the language and Scottish traditional music, song, drama, literature, art and sport.

Hundreds of musicians and artists will take to stages, halls and libraries in over 20 venues across Paisley and its surrounding areas during the nine-day event when it returns to the Renfrewshire town for the first time in ten years.

Mòd Phàislig will get underway with the Cuirm-Fosglaidh a’ Mhòid 2023 (Mòd 2023 Opening Concert) at Paisley Town Hall on Friday 13th October, featuring contemporary folk act, Breabach. The five-piece, who are currently Folk Band of the Year, will be one of the first acts to take to the stage of the newly refurbished Renfrewshire venue.

The hall will also play host to an unforgettable night of traditional music and Gaelic culture showcasing young talent from Renfrewshire and beyond for Ar Cànan ‘s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) on Saturday 14th October. Fèis Phàislig youngsters and the Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band will put on a show-stopping performance, whilst The Glasgow Gaelic Choir will be joined by some of Scotland’s finest Gaelic singers including Ainsley Hamill, Deirdre Graham and Joy Dunlop. Kilbarchan Pipe Band and Jenna Reid and Harris Playfair will also make an appearance on the show’s fantastic bill.

A specially created show launching the reworked Gaelic song collection of Frances Tolmie: Gun Sireadh Gun Iarraidh, will also take place at Paisley Town Hall on Tuesday, 17th October.

Tolmie’s iconic collection of songs have been passed down, reimagined and reshaped over many years, and are being brought together in one special collection by Kenna Campbell and Ainsley Hamill. The pair will be joined by others who have used Tolmie with their own repertoire and style, including Ceitlin Lilidh, Mischa Macpherson, Màiri Callan, James Graham, Rachel Walker, Mary Ann Kennedy, Wilma Kennedy and Seumas Campbell. They will be accompanied by a Scottish folk all-star house band.

There will also be an opportunity to connect with Gaelic outdoors – thanks to a Gaelic Nature Walk at Paisley’s Fountain Gardens led by Alasdair Whyte and developed in partnership with local community development organisation STAR Project. On Sunday 15th October, participants will be able to experience Paisley’s oldest public gardens, discover Gaelic folklore and learn Gaelic names for the trees, plants, animals, birds and features in the park.

Workshops are also on the programme, with Gaelic speaker and traditional musician Evie Waddell hosting Fàilte Gu British Sign Language (BSL) (Welcome to BSL) on Friday 20th October. Joined by a team of d/Deaf performers, Evie will help participants learn some Gaelic signed song and rhythmic traditional step dance in what is set to be a joyful cultural exchange that will be open to all. A vibrant show will follow at Paisley Town Hall that evening, using traditional songs and stories, sign and dance, to explore the relationships between Scottish culture, Gaelic and BSL.

There will be a varied and extensive programme for families across the week with activity taking place in venues right across Renfrewshire. Struth will return on the Monday and Tuesday, giving young people the opportunity to chat with some of Gaeldom’s best-known stars, while week-long Mòd Kids Clubs and day sessions led by Fèis Phàislig, and local partners such as Lochwinnoch Arts Festival and Erskine Arts, will fill the October school holidays with a raft of activity.

Gaelic Bookbug will run at libraries in Linwood, Foxbar, Ralston, Johnstone and Glenburn, while children’s ceilidhs will take place at the UWS Students’ Union on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th October.

Later in the week, The Tannahill Centre will stage the Fàilte Cèilidh – a warm welcoming multi-cultural ceilidh for communities from all cultures to share stories in their native languages, mixed with Gaelic. The event on Thursday 19th October will be hosted by School of African Cultures in partnership with local community groups Pachedu and Inspiring Families.

As Halloween nears and the Mòd draws to a close, Saturday 21st October will see a Spooky Samhain Family Cèilidh at UWS Students’ Union. This Halloween themed cèilidh for all the family, led by Fèis Phàislig, will celebrate Halloween and the Samhain festival in Paisley’s famous fashion.

The coveted sport events will also bring the Mòd’s programme of activity to the King George V Playing Fields on Saturday 14th October. The sport of the Gaels, shinty, will be played by men’s, women’s and youth teams in hotly contested finals, while the Football Mòd Cup will see two teams with Gaelic roots battle it out. While Sunday 15th October sees Paisley Abbey welcome the Mòd Church Service.

The celebrations are set to go into the wee hours and spill out into businesses across the town, with the Mòd Festival Club being held at The Sneddon. The Paisley pub will welcome a variety of pop-up live music sessions and entertainment each day of the festival and give event goers a chance to catch up after the day’s festivities.

The much-loved Bungalow will host the Mòd Late & Live which will let visitors experience live traditional and Gaelic music from some of the best names on the scene. The Swan and The Keg will also be home to lively pub sessions throughout the week of the event.

The wealth of events and activities on offer sits alongside the Mòd’s prestigious competition schedule, which will see the usual array of talent vying for the most coveted titles in Gaeldom. The Gold Medal, Traditional Gold Medal Final and Silver Pendant competitions, choirs competitions and Drama Final will all take place throughout the week, alongside children’s and music competitions, which will all welcome competitors from across Scotland and the wider world to Paisley.

Battle of the Bands will also be back for 2023 as young Scottish traditional and Gaelic acts perform for an esteemed panel of judges and lively audience at the The Wynd Centre for the final on Tuesday 17th October and the Literature Prize Giving will be held on Wednesday 18th October.

Following last year’s addition of art into the Mòd programme for the first time, artworks championing Gaelic culture and Scottish life from across Scotland will also be celebrated at the Mòd Phàislig with a digital display. The entrants for the Highland Art Prize will then be showcased at Glasgow’s Briggait from Friday 20th October. Visitors can also enjoy a guided tour of the ten longlist finalists.

A fitting finale to the Paisley Mòd will come in the form of the much-loved Massed Choirs. Hundreds of singers in choirs across Scotland will join in solidarity when they congregate in Paisley town centre on Saturday 21st October.

That night, folk-electronica powerhouse Niteworks will play Paisley Town Hall to round off a spectacular nine-day celebration of Gaelic. The concert presented by The Reeling, which was announced last month and marks the band’s only Scottish venue gig of the year, has seen fans snap up tickets.

Mòd Phàislig 2023

Tha prògram do-chreidsinneach, fiùghantach agus in-ghabhalach de chuirmean-ciùil, tachartasan, taisbeanaidhean agus bùithtean-obrach air fhoillseachadh leis a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail ’s e a’ tilleadh a Phàislig eadar 13 – 21 Dàmhair 2023.

Bidh prìomh thachartas cultarach Gàidhlig na h-Alba a’ comharrachadh a’ chànain còmhla ri ceòl traidiseanta, òrain, dràma, litreachas, ealain agus spòrs na h-Alba.

Bidh na ceudan de luchd-ciùil agus luchd-ealain a’ gabhail chun an àrd-ùrlair, tallachan agus leabharlannan ann an còrr air 20 ionad-cruinneachaidh ann am Pàislig agus san sgìre mun cuairt rè an tachartais naoi làithean seo, nuair a thilleas e don bhaile ann an Siorrachd Rinn Friù airson a’ chiad uair ann an deich bliadhna.

Thèid Mòd Phàislig a chur fo sheòl le Cuirm Fosglaidh a’ Mhòid 2023 ann an Talla Baile Phàislig air Dihaoine 13 Dàmhair, a’ nochdadh a’ bhuidhinn cho-aimsireil tuath-cheòl, Breabach. Bidh an còmhlan de chòignear, a tha gu làithreach ainmichte mar Còmhlan Tuath-cheòl na Bliadhna, mar aon de na ciad thachartasan a ghabhas gu àrd-ùrlar an ionad-chruinneachaidh seo a tha air a dhèanamh suas às ùr, ann an Siorrachd Rinn Friù.

Bidh an talla a’ toirt aoigheachd cuideachd do dh’oidhche nach tèid à cuimhne de cheòl traidiseanta agus de chultar na Gàidhlig, a’ taisbeanadh tàlant òg à Siorrachd Rinn Friù agus nas fhaide a-muigh airson Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl air Disathairne 14 Dàmhair.  Bidh òigridh Fèis Phàislig agus Còmhlan Pìobaireachd Sgoiltean Siorrachd Rinn Friù a’ cur gnìomhadh iongantach air àrd-ùrlar, fhad ’s a bhios cuid de na seinneadairean Gàidhlig as grinne ann an Alba, a’ gabhail a-steach Ainsley Hamill, Deirdre Ghreumach agus Joy Dunlop, a’ gabhail pàirt còmhla ri Còisir Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu.  Còmhla riutha air àrd-ùrlar bidh Còmhlan Pìobaireachd Chill Bhearchain agus Jenna Reid is Harris Playfair a’ nochdadh air prògram na h-oidhche.

Thèid taisbeanadh air ùr-chruthachadh, a’ cur air bhog cruinneachadh às ùr de dh’òrain Ghàidhlig Frances Tolmie: Gun Sireadh Gun Iarraidh, a chur air àrd-ùrlar ann an Talla Baile Phàislig air Dimàirt 17 Dàmhair.

Tha an cruinneachadh suaicheanta de dh’òrain Tolmie air an sìneadh sìos, air an ath-obrachadh ’s air an ath-chumadh thar mòran bhliadhnaichean, agus air an toirt còmhla ann an aon chruinneachadh speisealta le Kenna Chaimbeul agus Ainsley Hamill. Còmhla ris an dithis sin, bidh feadhainn eile a tha air Tolmie a chleachdadh nan cruinneachadh agus na stoidhle fhèin, a’ gabhail a-steach Ceitlin Lilidh, Mischa Nic a’ Phearsain, Màiri Callan, Seumas Greumach, Raonaid Walker, Màiri Anna NicUalraig, Wilma NicUalraig agus Seumas Caimbeul. Gheibh iad taic-ciùil bho chòmhlan taighe de rionnagan tuath-cheòl Albannach.

Bidh cothrom ann cuideachd ceangal a dhèanamh le Gàidhlig air an taobh a-muigh le taing do Chuairt Nàdair Ghàidhlig ann an Gàrraidhean Fuarain Phàislig, air a stiùireadh le Alasdair Whyte agus air a leasachadh ann an com-pàirteachas leis a’ bhuidheann leasachaidh coimhearsnachd ionadail, Pròiseact STAR. Air Didòmhnaich 15 Dàmhair, bidh cothrom aig com-pàirtichean eòlas a chur air na gàrraidhean poblach as sine ann am Pàislig, faighinn a-mach mu bheul-aithris Gàidhlig agus ainmean Gàidhlig do chraobhan, planntrais, beathaichean, eòin agus àiteachan cudromach sa phàirc, ionnsachadh.

Tha bùithtean-obrach air a’ phrògram cuideachd, leis an neach-labhairt Gàidhlig agus an neach-ciùil traidiseanta, Evie Waddell a’ toirt aoigheachd do Fàilte Gu Cànan Soidhnidh Bhreatainn (BSL) air Dihaoine 20 Dàmhair. Le sgioba de luchd-gnìomhaidh a tha bodhar,  bidh Evie a’ cuideachadh chom-pàirtichean le beagan Gàidhlig ionnsachadh, agus òrain is dannsa-ceum traidiseanta ruitheamach soidhnichte, ann an suidheachadh a tha gu bhith na iomlaid chultarach thoilichte agus fosgailte do na h-uile. Leanaidh taisbeanadh beòthail ann an Talla Baile Phàislig air an fheasgar sin, a’ cleachdadh òrain agus sgeulachdan traidiseanta, soidhneadh agus dannsa, gus na dàimhean eadar cultar na h-Alba, Gàidhlig agus BSL a rannsachadh.

Bidh prògram farsaing agus measgaichte ann do theaghlaichean fad na seachdaine le gnìomhachdan a’ gabhail àite ann an ionadan-cruinneachaidh air feadh sgìre Siorrachd Rinn Friù.  Tillidh Struth air Diluain agus Dimàirt, a’ toirt cothrom do dhaoine òga còmhradh ri cuid de na rionnagan as aithnichte ann an saoghal nan Gàidheal, fhad ’s a bhios Clubaichean Clann a’ Mhòid a’ dol fad na seachdaine agus seiseanan gach latha air an stiùireadh le Fèis Phàislig, agus com-pàirtichean ionadail leithid Fèis Ealain Loch Uinneach a’ lìonadh seachdain nan saor-làithean sgoile san Dàmhair le sreath de ghnìomhachd.

Ann an leabharlannan Linwood, Foxbar, Baile Raghnaill, Baile Iain agus Glenburn, bidh Bookbug Gàidhlig a’ ruith fhad ’s a bhios cèilidhean chloinne a’ gabhail àite ann an Aonadh Oileanaich UWS air Diluain 16 agus Dimàirt 17 Dàmhair.

Nas fhaide air adhart san t-seachdain, bidh Ionad Tannahill ga chleachdadh airson Cèilidh Fàilte – cèilidh ioma-chultarach fàilteach do choimhearsnachdan bho gach cultar gus sgeulachdan a roinn nan cànan dùthchasach, measgaichte le Gàidhlig. Gheibh an tachartas air Diardaoin 19 Dàmhair aoigheachd bho Sgoil nan Cultaran Afraganach ann an com-pàirteachas leis na buidhnean coimhearsnachd ionadail, Pachedu agus Inspiring Families.

Mar a bhios oidhche Shamhna a’ tarraing nas dlùithe agus am Mòd a’ tighinn gu crìch, air Disathairne 21 Dàmhair chithear Cèilidh Teaghlaich Spooky Samhain a’ gabhail àite aig Aonadh Oileanaich UWS. Bidh an cèilidh cuspaireil Samhna seo don teaghlach air fad, air a stiùireadh le Fèis Phàislig, a’ comharrachadh Oidhche Shamhna agus fèis Shamhna ann an stoidhle ainmeil Phàislig.

Bheir na tachartasan cliùiteach spòrs prògram ghnìomhachdan a’ Mhòid gu Raointean Cluiche Rìgh Seòras V air Disathairne 14 Dàmhair. Thèid iomain, spòrs nan Gàidheal, a chluich le sgiobaidhean nam fear, nam mnathan agus na h-òigridh ann am farpaisean crìochnachaidh a bhios gu math teann, agus chì Cupa Ball-coise a’ Mhòid dà sgioba le freumhan Gàidhlig a’ farpais an aghaidh a chèile. Air Didòmhnaich 15 Dàmhair, bidh Abaid Phàislig a’ cur fàilte air Seirbheis Eaglaiseil a’ Mhòid.

Tha na subhachasan deiseil airson a dhol air adhart gu uairean beaga na maidne air feadh a’ bhaile, agus sgaoileadh a-mach gu gnothachasan air feadh na sgìre, le Club Fèis a’ Mhòid ga chumail anns an Sneddon. Cuiridh an taigh-seinnse seo ann am Pàislig fàilte air measgachadh de sheiseanan ciùil beò sealach agus cur-seachad air gach latha den fhèis, a’ toirt cothrom do luchd-tadhail air fois a ghabhail an dèidh subhachasan an latha.

Bidh am Bungalow a’ toirt aoigheachd don Mòd Anmoch is Beò anns a’ Bhungalow, a bheir cothrom do luchd-tadhail eòlas a chur air ceòl traidiseanta is Gàidhlig bho chuid de na h-ainmean as fheàrr a tha mun cuairt. Bidh an Swan agus an Keg nan dachaigh do sheiseanan taigh-seinnse air feadh na seachadaine.

Tha am beairteas de thachartasan agus ghnìomhachdan a thathar a’ tabhann a’ ruith taobh ri taobh le clàr fharpaisean cliùiteach a’ Mhòid, a chì an sreath àbhaisteach de thàlant a’ farpais airson nan tiotalan as tograiche ann an saoghal nan Gàidheal. Gabhaidh am Bonn Òir, Farpais Crìochnachaidh an t-Seann Nòis, agus farpaisean an Aigeallain Airgid, farpaisean chòisirean agus Farpais Crìochnachaidh an Dràma àite tron t-seachdain, ri taobh farpaisean chloinne is ciùil, a chuireas uile fàilte air farpaisich bho air feadh Alba agus an t-saoghail nas fharsainge, gu Pàislig.

Bidh Cogadh nan Còmhlan air ais ann an 2023 agus còmhlain òga traidiseanta Albannach agus Gàidhlig a’ gnìomhadh mu choinneamh pannal spèiseil de bhritheamhan agus luchd-èisteachd beò aig Ionad Wynd, airson na farpais chrìochnachaidh air Dimàirt 17 Dàmhair agus na Duaisean Litreachais gam buileachadh air Diciadain 18 Dàmhair.

A’ leantainn air farpais ealain na bliadhna an-uiridh ga chur ri prògram a’ Mhòid, bidh obair-ealain ag adhartachadh cultar Gàidhlig agus beatha Alba bho air feadh Alba, ga chomharrachadh aig Mòd Phàislig le taisbeanadh didseatach. Thèid com-pàirtichean Duais Ealain na Gàidhealtachd a thaisbeanadh an uair sin sa Bhriggait ann an Glaschu bho Dihaoine 20mh Dàmhair. Faodaidh luchd-tadhail tlachd a ghabhail cuideachd à cuairt stiùirichte de obair nan deichnear luchd-crìochnachaidh air an liosta fhada.

Thig crìoch fhreagarrach air Mòd Phàislig ann an cruth Caithream nan Còisirean. Thig na ceudan de sheinneadairean bho air feadh Alba còmhla nuair a chruinnicheas iad ann am meadhan Baile Phàislig air Disathairne 21 Dàmhair.

An oidhche sin, bidh còmhlan folk-electronica Niteworks a’ cluich ann an Talla Baile Phàislig gus naoi làithean iongantach de shubhachasan a thoirt gu crìch. Tha a’ chuirm-chiùil a chaidh ainmeachadh air a’ mhìos mu dheireadh air a riochdachadh leis The Reeling, ’s iad a’ comharrachadh an aon chuirm a-mhàin aig a’ chòmhlan ann an Alba am-bliadhna, agus air a bhith a’ faicinn thiogaidean gan ceannach nan sruthan.

This year’s Royal National Mòd programme truly has something for everyone and shows the incredible breadth and richness of Gaelic language and culture spanning all backgrounds and ages.

James Graham
Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach

Find out more

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

More inspiration

Come on down and explore the Mythical Beasts summer trail in Paisley town centre.

Running from Saturday 24 June to Sunday 13 August, the Mythical Beasts summer trail is sure to be popular with local families and visitors to the town.

The majestic Hippogriff and the Owl of Athena will be allies – but beware of the likes of the vengeful Minotaur, the fearsome four-headed Chimera and the seven-headed Hydra, who won’t be as friendly!

The trail is free, and with 18 different beasts to find, it’s fun for the whole family.

Find out more about this BrickLive summer trail hosted by Paisley First

Trail maps showing participating businesses are available from the Piazza Shopping Centre and The Paisley Centre.

While you’re here

Why not grab a great bite to eat or drink, explore a walking trail, or feast your eyes on some iconic street art.

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 16th 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.”

 

A great place to visit

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

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 showing excerpt of Johnstone

Ramblers UK Scottish Path Map excerpt showing paths in Johnstone

Find some slow travel inspiration

Paisley’s Hedgehog Trail runs from Friday 28 April until Tuesday 9 May.

Try this fun family trail in Paisley town centre and see if you can spot all the hedgehogs that have made their way here.

It’s a great, free activity for Bank Holiday weekends – and it’s national Hedgehog Awareness Week!

All lovingly made by Bears by Sue Quinn (based at Lawn Street, Paisley), these 10 adorable hedgehogs are in the windows of local businesses. Can you find them all?

Once you complete the trail, pop an entry form in one of the special hedgehog postboxes to be entered into a prize draw.

You can get all the details and a trail map on the Paisley First website. You can also pick up a trail map from the Piazza Shopping Centre or the Paisley Centre.

 

 

With Spring arriving, and the Paisley 10k coming up in August, now is a great time to go running in Renfrewshire. The blossoms and bluebells are starting to bloom, the evenings are lighter, and you don’t need to put on ten different layers just to get out the door.

Whether you’re a regular runner or just enjoy moving through interesting places, we’re spoilt for choice with places to run across Renfrewshire. From abandoned mines, volcanos and waterfalls to riverside paths and peaceful trails, there’s something for everyone.

As well as being great for your mental and physical health, exploring your local area on foot gives you a more intimate look at the space around you.

Here are four scenic places some of the Paisley.is team love to run.

Gleniffer Braes looking towards a lonely tree

The eastern edge of the Gleniffer Braes, above Brownside Farm

Gleniffer Braes Country Park

With a vast network of trails, good parking and stunning views ‘the Braes’ is one of the most popular places in Renfrewshire for trail running. Sitting on the southern edge of Paisley and Johnstone, the Braes is a one-stop-shop for all kinds of terrain. From managed woodlands with winding paths, to wide open moorland, it’s full of interesting routes.

Because of its size, you can easily link across to lots of different places. These include Neilston and Barrhead through the picturesque Ferenze Hill and Killoch Glen, or Rannoch and Bluebell Woods in Johnstone.

As we’re in Scotland, the trails can be muddy, they can be steep, and you might encounter highland coos! But with such a wide variety of runs available, you can tailor your route to suit you.

Freneze Braes looking towards Barrhead

Freneze Hill looking down towards Barrhead

Linwood Moss

Home to Renfrewshire’s oldest Parkrun, Linwood Moss is a great place for an easy short run.

The network of trails includes tarmac and gravel, covering parkland and woodland. It’s very flat, with very gentle undulations, which also makes it a great place to run with kids.

Whilst the trails can get quite muddy after rain, there’s great parking and the On-x Linwood Sports Centre has a café for a wee refreshment afterwards. Linwood Parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or head along and spectate, it happens every Saturday at 9.30am.

Linwood Moss Nature Reserve

Linwood Moss Nature Reserve

Erskine Waterfront

Running next to water is better for your mental health, thanks to a nicer soundscape and less pollution. At least that’s what The Canal and River trust say, and we’d have to agree.

You can explore the sights and sounds of the River Clyde in a few different locations in Renfrewshire, but one of the most popular is the Erskine Waterfront. Featuring wide paths and vast views up and down the river, including the Erksine Bridge.

The main waterfront area runs between Newshott Island Nature Reserve and Boden Boo Woodlands. This makes it an ideal place for a long run, with a great variety of terrain and ever-changing scenery. The Erskine Waterfront Parkrun is fun, free and takes place here each Saturday at 9.30am.

Erksine Waterfront Walkway looking towards Erksine Bridge

Erksine Waterfront Walkway looking towards Erksine Bridge

Head East along the White Cart River

A perfect route for those who want to stick to tarmac, the White Cart Cycleway links Hawkhead in Paisley to Crookston and Rosshall in Glasgow. Starting from Ben Nevis Road, it follows National Cycle Route 7 on wide and smooth paths alongside the river before opening with views across parkland.

You can follow Crookston Road round to Glasgow Road and head back into Paisley in a big loop. Or you can continue following the cycle route into Rosshall Gardens and discover the hidden grotto and disc-golf course.

And if you fancy a much longer run, the cycle route eventually flows all the way through Pollock Park, Glasgow City Centre and beyond.

White Cart Water

White Cart Water from the Hawkhead to Crookston Cycleway

 


 

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.

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Where do you love to adventure? Running, hiking, bike riding, wild swimming or anything else!
What kind of outdoor person are you?





Paisley’s Spring Gonk Trail is coming to Paisley town centre from Friday 31 March until Sunday 16 April.

10 gonks in local business windows have ventured out from their wintry barns to soak up the Spring sunshine.

Find and name them all, then write down the Letter Clue to discover where children can collect a free Creme Egg for completing the trail.

Plus, two winners will be chosen at random to win bumper Spring Hampers from Paisley First.

Colette Cardosi, Chair of Paisley First, said: “It’s been a long winter for everyone but brighter days are definitely on the way!

“Paisley town centre businesses have everything you need to help you enjoy a great day out.

“Our Spring Gonk Trail is the perfect activity to get everyone out in the fresh air and have some free, family fun at the same time!”

As always, leaflets will be available from either the Piazza Shopping Centre or The Paisley Shopping Centre or you can download your own copy from the Paisley First website.

Once you have completed the trail and collected your free Crème Egg, just post your entry form in one of the special Easter postboxes located in either of the
shopping centres to be entered into the prize draw.

Love the school holidays? Love Paisley this Easter.

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMA) is returning to Paisley in March for the sixth edition of the annual Paisley Takeover.

It all takes place at The Bungalow on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st March.

The event series features six performances, showcasing some of Scotland’s most exciting artists, and two development workshops.

Ahead of the Takeover, we spoke to Richy Muirhead of SAMA to find out more about this year’s events.

Richy said: “Paisley has such a great music community and is the perfect location for a Takeover.

“SAMA have always worked with amazing local music venues such as Paisley Arts Centre and The Bungalow to deliver these events. Paisley Takeover is a chance for SAMA to work with a range of artists and also host some industry led events aimed at artist development.

“This year we are thrilled to have another really diverse and exciting music programme. We welcome artists such as Poster Paints, featuring members of Teen Canteen and Frightened Rabbit. This will be the band’s first performance since SXSW in Austin Texas, which will be a lot of fun. We’ll also welcome Rebecca Vasmant with an eight-piece ensemble, including some incredible jazz musicians.

“For those interested in a career in music we also have two free specialist workshops run by 23rd Music Precinct and charity Help Musicians, covering artist development themes and access to funding in the arts.”

SAMA is an annual music awards platform which celebrates genres such as electronic, hip hop, rock, acoustic and more. It has presented awards to artists such as Gerry Cinnamon, Lewis Capaldi, Steg G, TAAHLIAH, Bemz, Lizzie Reid, Linzi Clark and more since launching in 2010.

The SAMA Paisley Takeover 2023 is supported by Renfrewshire’s Culture, Heritage and Event Fund, as part of the Future Paisley programme, which uses the power of arts, heritage and culture to impact social and economic change.

So, why should you head along to this year’s Paisley Takeover? Richy has the answer…

“People can enjoy two nights of amazing live music in an intimate setting. There’s a mix of artists from Paisley but also from across the rest of Scotland in genres such as soul, jazz, indie, and pop!”

Book tickets for the evening gigs and free day-time workshops slots.

Toni James, chair of the festival board, on why you should check out this year’s festival programme.

You can find out just why Toni is so excited on the Tannahill Arts Festival website.

“The experience of Tannahill Arts Festival in 2023 is going to be very different.

“The 2021 Festival was delivered while the pandemic was still altering life, and dictating what we could or couldn’t do.

“I am really quite proud of us. We were among the first arts organisations at that time, to deliver a hybrid festival that included in-person events. The team had to develop stringent Covid protocols of course, but also really embrace the challenge of reimagining what was possible.

“In light of the hardship so many people endured during that time, the work took on even greater significance.  The task was to ensure artists could continue doing the work they love for their audiences, who felt safe and could savour the joy of being immersed in live performances again.

“This year’s festival continues to affirm the sense of magic that happens in those live moments between artist and audience; the very first event is a homage to that in a way.

“Saxophonist Tommy Smith OBE is one of the finest jazz musicians on the planet – he’s played with so many greats, from Chick Corea to Kenny Barron.  This concert for Tannahill Arts Festival will be a special, intimate, contemplative experience for the audience; the artist will explore the relationship between sound and space, letting the music breathe and develop in the natural acoustics of the cavernous Paisley Abbey.  Drawing on tunes from the jazz, folk and praise song traditions, Smith says, “I see [this] as a celebration of melody”.  Speaking to London Jazz News, Smith spoke about the chance to experiment with and explore concerts in churches, abbeys and cathedrals, “because they all have different characteristics and that makes every concert unique”.

“Certainly, this festival has a jazz theme running across its opening two nights!  However, the programme covers so much range stylistically.  Violinist and vocalist Seonaid Aitken’s Ella Fitzgerald homage, exploring the Great American Songbook with her trademark maverick arrangements, will bring distinct glitz, glamour and flirtatiousness to Tannahill.  Well-suited to deliver the musical stylings of Jazz and Hollywood’s golden ages, much like the bankable stars of the era, Seonaid has her very own brand of star power.  Considered one of the most interesting musical artists working in Scotland today, her composing and arranging credits include commissions from the BBC, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.

“If the 2023 festival feels a bit starry, that’s because it is. This year also welcomes The Whistlebinkies, pioneers of the Scottish folk revival, with an impressive worldwide following.

“That notwithstanding, from its inception, the organisation has cemented the role it considers to be at the heart of its mission: to support the development of diverse talent.  The organisation offers workshops and training and gives up-and-coming voices a platform.  ‘Script to Stage’ events featured table-readings and performances of new scripts by local writers.  This year, Ivor-Novello-nominated songwriter and national hero Boo Hewerdine brings his critically acclaimed workshop to Paisley for the first time, to work with and inspire a new generation of songwriters.

“Artistic Director Alan Fleming-Baird says these types of tailored, bespoke training opportunities are key for aspiring artists: “all developing artists need access to opportunities that develop their professional skills and networks, and who better than someone who has written songs for Sia, K.D. Lang and Eddi Reader”.  Hewerdine will also adjudicate the festival’s annual young artist competition, this year open to songwriters and named in honour of Paisley arts supporter and stalwart Corbin Miles.

“One area of its activities the organisation hopes to expand in the coming months, is its programming for children and young people. Acknowledging the critical importance of access to creative learning for wider cognitive, social, physical, and psychological benefits, Tannahill takes seriously its role engaging young audiences.

“This year’s festival will host Hopscotch Theatre Company, an organisation with 30+ years of experience at the forefront of professional contemporary theatre for young audiences.  Hopscotch takes its programme of plays, pantomimes and learning projects to communities across Scotland, nurturing young learners and helping them navigate the world.  Local children in Renfrewshire, will be enthralled and delighted by an energetic, interactive and original play that takes them on a journey through the life, music and poetry of the bard Robert Burns with the help of some of his friends.  Campfire Storytelling Club also returns, providing children with the opportunity to create their own stories and characters in a relaxed, low-key and non-intimidating environment.

“Tannahill Arts Festival helps us brush off the winter cobwebs this year, encouraging us to get out and about.  Writer Anne Scriven and her musical collaborators celebrate the new season with their Spring Evening of Word and Song.

“We may need to don winter woollens and bundle up one last time to take The Urban Historian’s new ‘Origins of Paisley’ walking tour, which explores how a once ancient village became Scotland’s largest town!

“Gifted and charismatic wordsmith and Tannahill Arts Festival Makar, Shaun Moore, will bring this year’s smashing festival to a riotous, celebratory conclusion with the hugely popular poetry slam Tanna Slamma Ding Dong 2.  In 2021, the event saw participants from far and wide converge on Callum’s Cavern for a truly breath-taking and uplifting evening of original spoken word.

“Playing a key role in Paisley’s ongoing renaissance, Tannahill Arts Festival has the distinction of appealing to visitors and locals alike; it has a relevant, current and international outlook, while being a local festival for local people that celebrates local people.

“Apt for the season and showing signs of things to come, Tannahill Arts is planting seeds for the future and seems set to grow and grow.”

The Tannahill Arts Festival is supported by the Future Paisley programme, which uses the power of arts, heritage and culture to impact social and economic change.

Check out this year's programme