It’s model behaviour from crafty veterans
New project spotlights Paisley buildings in miniature
Visually-impaired veterans have been busy building dolls house versions of some of Paisley’s most iconic buildings.
They have been working hard as part of a project aimed at engaging communities with the town’s heritage.
The group from The Scottish War Blinded Hawkhead Centre have been taking part in the Modelling Paisley project.
They are currently working on models of Sma’ Shot Cottages and 5 George Place and there will be another two models created before they go on display in time for Doors Open Day on September 8 and 9.
Michael Gray, 67, is one of the veterans who has been involved in the project.
He said: “I hadn’t done any woodwork since I was in school and I’ve spent the last 40 years working in IT – I really missed being creative.
“It’s great making something and seeing it develop. As well as working on the staircase for 5 George Place I’ve also bought a clock that I want to build a case for.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the skills I’ve learned here.
“I’m hopefully going to build a workshop in my garden so I can do more woodwork projects.
“The key thing for me is being able to be creative and overcome problems .
“I’m testing myself and seeing what I can and can’t do and finding a way to work around it.
“I’ve really enjoyed working on this project.”
The project is part of Renfrewshire Council’s £4.5 million Townscape Heritage Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme 2 (TH. CARS2), which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Renfrewshire Council.
TH. CARS2 aims to make the area around the High Street a more attractive place to visit and invest as well as engage a diverse range of audiences with the heritage and culture of Paisley through learning and making.
The Hawkhead Centre in Paisley is for veterans with sight loss.
It is an activity hub for men and women of all ages and abilities - and is free of any costs, with local transport provided.
A range of activities and support assist with improving independence and mobility while one-to-one guidance helps veterans regain or maintain their confidence after sight loss.
Modelling Paisley is being coled by The Scottish War Blinded wood technician David Stewart and modelmaker Franki Finch, of Finch & Fouracre, who are helping the group of ten veterans create four dolls houses.
Franki said working on the project has been an interesting experience.
She said: “It’s a brilliant project to be part of – both in terms of the historical aspect of learning more about these lovely buildings and the opportunity to work with other people teaching them new skills.
“At the start of the project a lot of the members thought there were certain tasks that they couldn’t do and it’s great that the project has shown them what they are capable of and that they can still make things and use their hands.
“They’re all enthusiastic about how the project is progressing which has been the best part of the process. For a lot of the members it’s given them a creative outlet which is great.”
Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson, said he is looking forward to seeing the finished buildings.
“It’s wonderful to see our veterans learning new skills by celebrating Paisley’s stunning architecture and recreating some of our most well-known landmarks.
“I look forward to seeing the completed models when they are displayed at this year’s Doors Open Days which will give even more people the opportunity to enjoy their work.”
The models will be displayed in Paisley town centre as part of Renfrewshire’s Doors Open Days on 8 and 9 September – the exact venue will be announced nearer the time.