Take a peek at our great buildings
It’s not long now until your annual chance to ‘get into buildings’ – when Renfrewshire Doors Open Days take place at the start of next month.
The annual event is on over two days on the weekend of September 7 and 8 and will see more than 50 different buildings across Renfrewshire throw open their doors and allow residents and visitors to enjoy a sneak peek inside.
Some of the special attractions this year include the chance for a lucky few to go underground into Paisley Abbey drain – a 100m-long medieval tunnel under the ground near the abbey – with a ballot being held for people to win the chance to see it.
And there’ll be a chance to travel between venues in luxury with local firm J&W Goudie offering limo tours on the day to ferry some of you around.
The buildings opening up include churches, town halls, leisure centres and fire stations – as well as some of Renfrewshire’s unique attractions including Paisley’s Secret Collection museum store, Kilbarchan’s Weaver’s Cottage, RSPB Lochwinnoch and Lamont Farm in Erskine.
Renfrewshire has a fantastic collection of architectural gems – both historic and modern.
But sometimes it’s easy to miss what’s on our doorstep in places we maybe walk or drive by every day – so this is a chance for everyone to be surprised by their surroundings.
Doors Open Days are also part of a wider major events programme designed to show off what Renfrewshire has to offer and drive footfall to our town centres – with all the benefits that brings to local traders.
With that in mind, the council recently launched a Spend Local campaign to encourage residents and workers to support local business. For every pound spent in the local area, around 65p stays in the local economy – so by supporting local traders, the Renfrewshire community wins.
Community council elections Have you ever thought about joining your local community council?
If so, this is your chance as elections are currently running.
Community councils are a vital voice for local communities and a great way for people to volunteer to help improve the areas they live in.
They meet regularly - usually monthly - to discuss issues that matter in their area and to make sure those issues are raised with relevant people such as the council, police, NHS and others.
Community councils are often a focal point for local activity through bringing people together at gala days or events, or through mobilising efforts to deliver improvements to their community.
Renfrewshire has 25 community council areas, of which 21 are currently active.
There are four areas of Paisley which do not have community council representation: Charleston, Gallowhill, Glenburn and Hunterhill.
So anybody interested in establishing a community council in one of those areas