‘All aspects of our work hit dramatically by lockdown’
PAISLEY local Stephen Clancy, 48, is passionate about the history of his local area. The freelance historical archaeologist and genealogist, with an interest in photography and walking, was able to turn his passion into his profession. Stephen launched the Urban Historian over six years ago. The business specialises in offering walking tours in Paisley and the surrounding areas.
Stephen unveils the ways he has had to adapt his business to survive the turbulent economic challenges facing the travel and tourism industry.
All aspects of our work have been hit dramatically by the lockdown.
Heritage walks, classes and research have stopped completely, other than odd bits of work that can be carried out online.
We have made a switch to delivering weekly, or twice weekly, Online History Cafe sessions using Zoom to continue delivering short 40-minute talks followed by a Q&A.
The History Cafe Sessions are free and encourage people from all over Scotland and further afield to learn more about Paisley, and
Renfrewshire’s heritage. We have also delivered two online walks that people can register for and are planning some live online heritage walks via Zoom to showcase Paisley’s textile and engineering heritage.
Graduating from Glasgow University in 1996, I have worked on numerous archaeological projects around Paisley and Glasgow such as the M74 Extension Archaeology Programme and smaller excavations all over the country. Having started teaching in Continuing Education at the University of Paisley, teaching Renfrewshire Local History & Archaeology, I went freelance when the department closed.
We provide a bespoke service for our clients over the core aspects of our business: walking tours, history classes, historical research and in genealogy. Walking tours are run, normally, on a weekly basis with varying subjects and locations, but we also deliver a bespoke service for clients who what to see specific areas.
We are striving to help boost the regeneration of Paisley using its outstanding heritage.
No matter what aspect of our services you are interested in we guarantee a service provided by a professional historian.