Our fests are really the best
I think it would be fair to say that last week was pretty hectic but instead of dwelling further on political matters this week, I’d rather focus on the most meaningful part of what being an MSP is to me - being Paisley’s MSP and getting to shout about all wonderful things that make our town what it is.
With that in mind, to round off my busy week, I was more than happy to attend the annual Paisley Food and Drink Festival and it was certainly bigger and better than ever.
Nothing pleases me more than to spend a weekend at the centre of the universe, chatting to friends and constituents and seeing my town busy and thriving.
The food and drink festival is an excellent example of not only local produce and chefs, but the varied and exciting cuisines popular across Scotland – it’s not just haggis and whiskey with us
Scots anymore.
From Shawarma wraps, bubble waffles and pizza to tasty nachos, speciality ales and curries, every mouth-watering cuisine was covered, and food and drink traders from both Renfrewshire and beyond certainly pleased everyone in the busy crowds.
Never one to pass up a speciality beer, it was great to attend the Brew Hub where they kept us all well-watered and entertained with music and pizzas on the grass outside Renfrewshire House on Cotton Street.
Along with all the world class food and drink traders, praise must also go to the hundreds of volunteers who worked tirelessly in the run up to, during, and after the event.
I take my hat off to everyone involved and the team effort that was so clearly displayed as it was a brilliant event and definitely not one to miss in our Paisley calendar.
As a proud father and grandfather, I was also delighted to see that young foodies were well and truly catered for too with kids portions on each menu alongside a buffet of free activities for wee ones on the Saturday.
While the food and drink festival usually draws the most crowds, Paisley Book Festival also took place at the end of last week and the weekend with the theme being ‘Imagine Something Different’.
Delivered by OneRen, the four-day celebration of reading, writing and creativity – which included author chats with Judy Murray, Sally Magnusson and Pat Nevin to name but a few – was a great success and challenged and inspired attendees to explore the endless possibilities of the imagination.
For me, nothing is better than a weekend when all our town has to offer is on full display.