The hills are alive with the sound of music
Don’t miss free show at Gleniffer Braes
There are just a few days to go till the Braes come alive with the sound of music for a special one-off event.
Discover the Braes takes place on Sunday and was the brainchild of Joan Ferguson, an economic development assistant for Invest in Renfrewshire.
She wanted to share her passion for the country park and also help turn it into a tourist destination for the town.
She won money from the Lens, an internal Renfrewshire Council staff competition, to put on the event, which is taking place as part of Doors Open Day.
Joan approached Paisley company Brick Lane Studios to help her design a website and organise the live music.
And director Alan McEwan said the project has been a voyage of discovery for him too.
“I grew up in Elderslie and still live there,” he said. “I’ve been up the Braes a lot but there are parts I’ve never been to.
“Until we started this project, I’d never been to the Glen Park which is where Sunday’s event is and where the concerts used to be back in the day.”
Sunday’s event will be filmed and put together with footage Alan has already shot at the Braes.
The plan is to put together a film to advertise the Braes as a tourist destination.
He explained: “The whole thing will be pulled together to show what’s on our doorstep and what the area can be used for.
“We’re also trying to engage some of the local councillors into thinking about the Braes more. Some of the areas have fallen into disrepair, there’s fly tipping and some of the walkways and signage could be updated.
“There is work to be done.”
This Sunday the fun starts at noon with a live music stage at the Glen Park area of the Braes hosted by River City actor Tom Urie and there will also be food and market stalls and kids entertainment to keep everyone busy until 4pm.
Guided walks will help visitors explore the Braes alongside a special interactive hunt for Goldie the Youthicorn, Renfrewshire’s mascot for the Year of Young People.
A free bus and park and ride system will operate from 11.30am till 4.30pm with pick up points outside Andy’s Golden Fry on Causeyside Street and Gleniffer High School.
For more information, go to www.discoverthebraes.co.uk