top of page
Learn more with our blog
Search


Tony Lawler: 33 Years at the Heart of Sma’ Shot Day
Today, on Sma’ Shot Day 2025, Paisley marks not just a proud tradition, but the end of an era. For the first time in over three decades,...
Gavin Divers
5 days ago3 min read


Echoes of Paisley: Breathing Life into the Past
In every attic box, every faded print, and every corner of Paisley’s streets lies a memory, one that shaped this town, its people, and...
Gavin Divers
May 122 min read


Introducing Echoes of Paisley: A Living Archive of Our Town’s Story
Thanks to the generous support of our crowdfunder backers, we’re proud to announce something close to the heart — Echoes of Paisley. This...
Gavin Divers
May 112 min read


Purcell James Mansfield: A Musical Legacy in Paisley and Beyond
Paisley has long been a centre of cultural and musical excellence. Among the many figures who contributed to this rich tradition was...
Gavin Divers
Apr 193 min read


From Renfrew to Ruin: The Rise and Fall of the Lordship of the Isles
The story of Somerled did not end on the battlefield at Renfrew in 1164 . Though his body may have fallen near the banks of the Clyde,...
Gavin Divers
Apr 195 min read


Vikings in Renfrewshire: Myth or Memory?
Were the Vikings truly part of Renfrewshire's past — or are they simply shadows in our stories? While the image of longships sailing up...
Gavin Divers
Apr 194 min read


Inside Paisley Prison: A Forgotten Institution Reconstructed
Explore the hidden history of Paisley Prison with a detailed reconstruction based on a rare floor plan. Discover how Victorian ideals of justice, discipline, and reform shaped this forgotten institution in the heart of Renfrewshire.
Gavin Divers
Apr 193 min read


Brown & Polson: Paisley’s Legacy of Innovation and Industry
Tucked near the northern edge of the Gleniffer Braes — the “bonnie braes” once celebrated in Robert Tannahill’s poetry — lie the remains...
Gavin Divers
Apr 194 min read


The Witch Trials of Paisley: A Town’s Tragic Place in Scotland’s Darkest History
Discover the chilling history behind Paisley’s role in Scotland’s witch-hunting era — from the Bargarran witch trials to the memorial...
Gavin Divers
Mar 303 min read


The Battle of Renfrew (1164): Somerled’s Last Stand and the Fall of Norse-Gaelic Power in Scotland
The Battle of Renfrew in 1164 was more than just a medieval skirmish—it was a pivotal clash that changed the fate of Scotland’s western...
Gavin Divers
Mar 263 min read


The 1989 Demolition of South School, Paisley: The End of an Era
The demolition of South School in Paisley in May 1989 marked the end of an important chapter in the town’s educational and architectural...
Gavin Divers
Mar 182 min read


When Hooves Ruled the Roads: Young’s Horse Bus in Paisley
Before the hum of engines and the clang of electric trams, Paisley’s streets echoed with the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves. Among the many...
Gavin Divers
Mar 183 min read


Remembering Norman "Norrie" Sweeney – A Paisley Legend
Paisley has bid farewell to one of its most cherished sons with the passing of Norman "Norrie" Sweeney, who died peacefully on 18th...
Gavin Divers
Mar 143 min read


Paisley Police in the Early 1800s
By the late 18th century, Paisley was a growing industrial town experiencing increasing disturbances, riots, and political unrest. In...
Gavin Divers
Mar 105 min read


Jane Arthur (1827–1907): A Pioneer of Social Reform and Women’s Rights
Jane Arthur (née Barshaw) was a pioneering social reformer, philanthropist, and advocate for women’s rights. She dedicated her life to...
Gavin Divers
Mar 83 min read


The Paisley Witch Trials: A Dark Chapter in Scottish History
Witchcraft trials were a widespread phenomenon across Europe and North America during the 16th and 17th centuries, resulting in the...
Gavin Divers
Mar 45 min read


Gilmour Street Station and the Changing Landscape of Paisley in 1888
Gilmour Street Station has long been a focal point in the heart of Paisley, serving as a crucial transport link connecting the town to...
Gavin Divers
Feb 275 min read


The Origins and Evolution of the Name "Paisley"
Paisley is one of Scotland’s most recognisable place names, yet its origins remain somewhat uncertain. Over the centuries, the town has...
Gavin Divers
Feb 273 min read


Vanduara: The Mystery of Paisley's Roman Past
The historical identity of the Scottish town of Paisley as the ancient Roman site of "Vanduara" remains an intriguing and unresolved...
Gavin Divers
Feb 212 min read


Yankee Mags
For comic book enthusiasts, the modern comic shop is an essential cultural hub—a place to browse new releases, dig through back issues,...
Gavin Divers
Feb 204 min read
We Need Your Support Today!
bottom of page