Heritage hero is honoured

A Renfrewshire politician has heaped praise on a historian who has worked tirelessly to highlight the region’s heritage trails.

Tom Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South, met with historian and archaeologist Stephen Clancy at Kilbarchan’s Weaver’s Cottage to present a copy of the motion which has been lodged in the Scottish Parliament commending Mr Clancy for his walks.

Mr Clancy, who is the walk leader for the Urban Historian, regularly hosts heritage walks around Renfrewshire and Paisley, as well as short courses on local history and archaeology.

The Urban Historian walks take participants on a tour through local sites which are revealed for their historical significance by Mr Clancy, who used to teach at the University of West of Scotland and Dundee.

Following the meeting, Mr Arthur said: “Stephen Clancy has made a great contribution to promoting awareness of local history.

“It can be easy to forget the rich history of our towns and villages here in Renfrewshire and I was pleased to recognise his work in the area.

“We are lucky to have so many local cultural treasures. like the Weaver’s Cottage in Kilbarchan, which symbolises Renfrewshire’s longstanding and world-famous connection with textiles.

“It remains today as a window into our local history, and is a popular attraction where people can see how traditional tartan was made 200 years ago by hand using traditional equipment.

“I commend Stephen on this fantastic initiative and I look forward to his future work, revealing Renfrewshire’s historical treasures to the public.”