The future is definitely bright for Tweedie Hall
Linwood will finally be able to light up for its loved ones as Tweedie Hall is fitted with LED lighting.
The prominent building has been kitted out with a host of multicoloured lights along the roof line of its exterior to allow the town to mark key moments throughout the year such as Christmas, Remembrance Day and Pride – just like other towns in Renfrewshire.
Crucially, the lighting has been installed before World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 when Linwood residents will come together to remember schoolboy William McNally who tragically lost his life in an accident on the River Gryffe.
Councillor Robert Innes last year made the request for the new LED lighting structure on the Tweedie Hall after being inspired by the activism of
William’s family in highlighting water safety on Renfrewshire’s rivers.
And while Renfrewshire Council has lit up other landmarks for the July event, Linwood has never been able to take part.
The new lights on the Tweedie Hall will be officially switched on for the first time this summer by Provost Lorraine Cameron alongside William’s family to highlight World Drowning Prevention Day.
William’s mum Sharron Drennan said: “I am really pleased to see that Linwood will be lit up this year for World Drowning Prevention Day. It is a pleasure for our family to have been asked by the Provost to switch on the lights alongside her for the very first time for our community.
“Thank you to everyone that has made this possible for our town, but especially Cllr Innes for pursuing this for us all in Linwood in the first place.
“Everyone is most welcome to join our family and the Provost in Linwood this summer as we raise awareness of World Drowning Prevention Day.”
Sharron added: “William is very much missed by all of us every single day.
“The summer months are fast approaching us now and young people will be down enjoying the good weather and jumping in our rivers. Please be aware of the dangers they possess if you are going in the river and please stay away from any potentially unsafe areas along our rivers.”
William died after getting into difficultly in the River Gryffe in June 2021.
Described as “incredibly kind”, the 13-year-old’s family has created a lasting legacy for him, implementing a host of safety measures along the river.
Cllr Innes said: “I am extremely glad we have gotten to this point with the LED lights now in place at the Tweedie Hall.
“This was especially important to me to get this lighting project done as the inspiration for it had come from such a special place.
“The activism that William’s family have shown in highlighting water safety on our rivers is truly inspirational and it inspired me to pursue these lights for them and everyone in Linwood.”
He added: “Thanks to everyone that has been involved in making this happen. I am sure that going forward, it will mean a lot to local people that Linwood is now able to mark events such as Christmas,
Pride or Remembrance
Day as well as many more special days and causes.”
Provost Cameron added: “This wonderful family has been through the unimaginable in losing a loved one in such tragic circumstances and they are showing how much they care for their community in championing this cause.
“It is my pleasure to be joining William’s family this World Drowning Prevention Day this summer as we officially switch on the lights at the Tweedie Hall for the very first time.
“I would encourage everyone in the Linwood community to come along and join us.”