Lamont Farm Project is a vibrant community and animal welfare project located in Erskine, Renfrewshire.

At Lamont Farm, you can meet a wide variety of animals, including ducks, hens, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, llamas, reptiles and small furries. We try our best to rescue and rehome as many animals as we can.

If we cannot find a suitable forever home for our furry friends they will continue to live with us therefore there's always new furrys for you to meet. This means we have an ever growing family of new and different animals.

We actively promote animal welfare and advise and educate people, where we can, in animal care and husbandry. Our work is dependent on the generous support of our visitors, to enable us to care for our animals and continue our vital work.

We are a registered Scottish Charity No. SCO13875.

]]> Learn what it takes to be a fire fighter and get a closer look at the kit and equipment that helps keep firemen safe when responding to an emergency

]]> For 30 years, the Ballast Trust has processed technical records such as shipbuilding plans, engineering and railway drawings for archive organisations like the University of Glasgow, Glasgow City Archives and National Records of Scotland.


The Trust's premises are in the former James E. Robertson and Sons Ltd furniture factory.

]]> This excellent sports facility opened its doors to the public in June 2004 and has become hugely popular with the people of Renfrew thanks to its range of sports and leisure facilities which include a 4 court multipurpose sports hall, 2 level gym/fitness suite, dance studio, football pitch and a Sauna/Steam Room.

]]> This stone-built church was opened in 1914 and this friendly and quiet place has been a place where all faiths can celebrate ever since.

]]> There is plenty to see and admire on a visit to this C-listed church building, opened in 1865.

]]> Originally built by Methodists in 1810 to cater for the people building the Paisley Canal, the New Jerusalem Church bought the building in 1860 and spared no expense in its refurbishment - dye for the stained glass windows (designed by Sir Noel Paton) was imported all the way from France.

]]> Good food, exhibition and live music.

]]> For Doors Open Days 2018, visitors could take a tour of the building and see all the fire engines in this operational fire station.

]]> Order, order! Court is now in session. Step into the box and give an account of your whereabouts during a tour of Court 1 and 8. If you're found guilty, you'll be headed to the cells next...

]]> Former Martyrs Parish Church purchasd by 7th Paisley Scout Group in 1981. It now has three large activity halls and is used by the wider community. The church was built by a large range of local churches within Paisley which is obvious from the different styles incorporated in the church.
The Martyrs' Monument can be viewed at the rear of the building.

]]> Of course the walks and trails are always open to explore, this this is your special chance to climb to the lookout tower and enjoy the wildlife and stunning views over the loch and beyond.

]]> This beautiful weatland is home to wigeons, whooper swans and more species of duck than you can imagine! Follow the woodland trails and be sure to take your binoculars with you for the viewing holes.

]]> This building, which looks like a church from the outside, was originally designed for use as a meatmarket and school. It has a Bronze copy of the wooden statue of legendary piper Habbie Simpson on the Tower.

]]> For Doors Open Days 2018, make your way The STAR Project for some walrus-themed fun! Watch 'We are the Walrus' - a short film celebrating the restoration Fountain Gardens - then make your own walrus mask, before taking a short walk to see the walruses in the Grand Fountain.

]]> Designed by Sir William Arrol in 1922, this unique Bascule Bridge is the only opening Bascule Bridge in the whole of Scotland.

]]> Designed and built by Paisley Architect, T.G. Abercrombie, the Grade B listed Victory Baths in all their detail and splendour are a particularly fine example of an Edwardian 25 yard swimming pool. The 1920's layout is largely intact with changing cubicles to poolside at ground level, arched doorways and a viewing gallery above with timber seats. It is said the pool has a resident ghost which has had numerous sightings over the years - none through the day though!

]]> During Doors Open Day, visitors could get a behind the scenes look at operations at Glasgow Airport. There was a presentation on the history of Glasgow Airport and a tour of the Terminal Building with a talk on how the Airport works.

]]> Paisley's oldest park is home not only to a grand central fountain adorned with sculptures of dolphins, walruses and herons, but also one of the finest statues of Robert Burns in existence.

]]> During Doors Open Days, Johnston Street celebrates their opening by hosting a street party, there will also be an opportunity to delve into Paisley's mill history on their interpretation trail, and they will have information on traditional building skills and materials.

]]> Have a splashing good time exploring Paisley's largest leisure centre.

]]> A purpose built Ambulance Station which became operational in 1996 to replace the temporary Ambulance Station.

]]> First established in 1877 and although they moved to a new purpose built stadium, the history of the club is proudly displayed within the club for all to see. For Doors Open Day you will also have the opportunity to go behind the scenes, why not walk out the tunnel, see the dressing rooms, board rooms, referee room and even the TV interview room.

]]> This attractive building of architectural note includes a four court sports hall, a fitness gym, small studio space and a function suite which overlooks the Clyde.

]]> With three swimming pools, a modern fitness suite, dance studios, squash courts and a spin studio, there's plenty on offer at the On-X Linwood.

]]> Built in 1987 and restored in 1938, the Houston and Killellan Church is a result of a merger between the parishes of Houston and Killellan in 1771. View the special stained glass windows and display of pulpit falls.

]]> For Doors Open Days, take the opportunity to tour around this stunning estate. Tours will meet in the car park prior to the times shown. Due to the nature of this estate and possible weather, please wear stout footwear.

]]> The original building dates to around 1830 but the site has been modernised over the years to provide a modern tanning operation to convert raw cattle hides into tanned leather suitable for upholstery and shoe leather manufacturers world wide. The cattle hides are a by-product of the meat industry and Langs Tannery takes this product, adds value and produces a desirable product much in demand.

]]> First opened in 1908, this is the last intact example of a Central Methodist Hall in Scotland. This imposing building is located opposite Paisley Abbey and was designed by architects Watson and Salmond in the Free Renaissance style.

Paisley Photographic Society is the oldest photographic club in Scotland, founded in 1857, and it regularly meets in the Methodist Central Hall. See an exhibition of photographic prints by club members - you might be inspired to join.

]]> Stowbrae Kirk holds a collection of communion plates relating to the four churches in it's history.

]]> Built around 1930 this is a world class example of Art Deco architecture in the style of the world famous Thomas Tait. In the last few years it has been refurbished into a community sports centre incorporating a dance studio, state of the art gym and synthetic football pitches. Its balconies and downstairs reception foyer make it an ideal function space.

]]> Built in 1923 this B listed building was part of the former Anchor Mill Complex and is now used for offices and workshops.

]]> The Wynd Centre opened its doors on 30 Sept. 1984 and is the outreach arm of Oakshaw Trinity Church. When the former St John's Church became available the centre expanded and the Architect Archie Richmond of Richmond Architects, Dumbarton, Glasgow designed the building as it stands now and it was opened by HRH Princess Anne in 2001. It has a 200 Seat Auditorium, Counselling rooms, varying sizes of rooms and halls.

]]> Learn about the case of the 'Slug in a Bottle' - a legal case that changed the world, that all began in 1928 when Mrs May Donoghue walked into Minghella's Cafe on Well meadow Street and ordered a ginger beer...

]]> St. John's Kirk was built in 1729, with a new clock purchased in 1731. Most of the church was demolished, when the present Parish Church was opened in 1808, leaving only the gable end. Inside, you can see the clock, the oldest public clock in Renfrewshire.

]]> Lapwing Lodge started life as a Sanatorium for Coats Mill workers in 1910 until 1955. In 1960, Paisley Scouts began to use the site for camping before purchasing the site in 1988 and making improvements to the deteriorated building. Lapwing Lodge not only continues to be used for Scout Camps and other youth organisations, it also caters for individuals, businesses and educational use.

]]> A professional recording studio and the Diane Mitchell Music School.

]]> Only rediscovered in the 1990s, the Abbey Drain is one of Paisley's hidden gems and a site of continued archaeological interest. Inside, witches marks are inscribed on the stonework and artefacts found in the drain suggest what people are and wore. What exactly was the purpose of this passageway?

]]> This fascinating building contains a library and museum with information about the history of freemasonry.

]]> Renfrewshire Council has been given money from the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop a new Townscape Heritage (TH) project for Paisley Town Centre which will focus on improving the listed buildings on Paisley High Street.

]]> A former church-turned-drama studio, this space is now used for PACE drama classes and prop building, including sets for the annual Christmas pantomime.

]]> St Mary's began its life in 1907 in Ranfurly Castle Hotel, where a small group of Episcopalians joined together for a monthly service. Then towards the end of 1908, a site was given to the church - which quickly became known as "the little white church in the wood".

]]> Opened in May 2015, the brand new Johnstone Town Hall has transformed the look of the town. The new venue is home to a range of modern community facilities, including Johnstone Library.

]]> Packed full of indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, this community sports hub is well worth a visit.

]]> A uniquely designed 25m deck level pool.

]]> Opened in 2012 after a multi-million pound refurbishment, the new school building includes a central 'street area' flooded with natural sunlight to create a more encouraging and peaceful school space.

]]> Designed by the renowned architect David Hamilton, the congregation are celebrating 200 years of worship in this building. The present building was built in 1815 to replace an earlier building that had fallen into a state of serious disrepair. The presence of a church on this site goes back to the 12th century with the establishment of what was originally called the Erskine Church, renamed the Bishopton Church to avoid confusion with the new community and church of Erskine. The long story of this church extends over some 900 years and is rich in historical detail. As part of the Bicentenary Commemoration, a book about this history has been published and is available to purchase.

]]> This classical building was gifted to Paisley by the Clarks, one of the town's wealthy mill owning families. It houses a suite of grand halls and function rooms and the views of the Abbey from the first floor Loggia and balcony are stunning.

]]> This church building was built in the early Gothic style and completed in 1878, with a gallery added in 1896 and a chancel in 1910. There are a number of beautiful stained glass windows.

]]> The Paisley Photographic Society is the oldest club of its kind in Scotland and was founded in 1857.

]]> Come and see Provost Hall and other like-minded daredevils take on a charity zip slide flying across East End Park from over 100ft in the air. All money raised will go to the Provost's four chosen charities - Renfrewshire Carers Centre, RAMH, ACCORD Hospice and St Vincent's Hospice - to continue their vital work in Renfrewshire. If you'd like to sign up to take part, please contact: donna.gallagher-pt@renfrewshire.gov.uk

]]> For the first time on Doors Open Days the Scottish Ambulance Service invites you to Paisley Ambulance Station to see a variety of ambulance vehicles and specialised equipment. There will also be advice from the SAS Academy.

]]> The Diane Mitchell Music School opened in Brick Lane Studios in 2015, and has been growing ever since. The school provides an excellent way for children and adults of all ages to enjoy learning about music.

]]> Kilbarchan Parish Church can be found just off Steeple Square, in the centre of the village of Kilbarchan. The foundation stone of the church was laid in 1787, with the congregation worshipping in the unfurnished church a year later.

]]> This community garden has its own orchard and bio-diversity wildlife garden. Visit on Doors Open Day for facepainting and your chance to buy plants and flowers, plus jams, chutneys and home baking made with allotment grown produce.

]]> Created around 1800 as a walled fruit and vegetable garden for Barshaw House, this was dedicated as a Peace Garden in 1986 and the flowers are now cared for by the Friends of Barshaw Park.

]]> The Pride of Paisley Wild in Art project is Paisley's first free public art trail and runs until Sunday 25th September. Find out more at www.prideofpaisley.co.uk

]]> Various displays of weapons, vehicles and equipment

]]> Starting out as a bus garage in the 1950's, 7 Shuttle Street has now reopened its doors as The Lane after many years as Suburbia. It offers Fizzy's prosecco bar, a brilliant beer garden, bars and two restaurants, including The Ginger Slug, a reference to the famous case about a snail. The snail was found in a ginger beer bottle, causing the customer to sue the manufacturer. The case gave power to modern consumers and launched a million court cases.

]]> The first Linwood Parish Church was built in 1860 as a chapel of ease, but, due to the ever expanding population of the town, became too small and the present church was built in 1965. A spacious red brick building with furniture and communion silver from the earlier church.

]]> Contains the University Hub - a new social and learning space for our students on the ground floor of our Library building. The University's Gardner Building housed the original college and school of art, founded in 1897, that later became the University.

]]> We are a well established scout group with over 100 youth members.

]]> The Gardner Building was designed by famous Paisley architect TG Abercrombie and opened in 1900 as Paisley Technical School making it the original UWS building. Now home to the University's School of Business & Enterprise.

]]> Following a 5 million pound restoration in 2017, this category A-Listed building is one of Paisley's architectural highlights. Originally a child welfare clinic - commissioned by Miss Agnes Russell in 1927 in memory of her two brothers - it's now home to the Invest in Renfrewshire team.

]]> The Paisley Florist Society Gardening Club is the oldest gardening club in Scotland, founded in 1782 by the Paisley Weavers.

It has had a continual history since then and all the old records and artefacts are stored in the Paisley Reference Library and Museum.

At the Annual Show there are exhibits of flowers, vegetables, handicrafts, baking and a section for childrens exhibits.

]]> The community centre was built in the 1970s and, under the banner 'Constantly seeking to meet the needs of the community', it hosts a number of community groups and charities.

]]> Step back in time and learn about the lives of the men and women in the Christie family who lived and worked in the cottage from 1810 to 1953. See the old loom in action and have a go on our modern loom. After your tour, enjoy a picnic in the garden.

]]> Growing plots, raised gardens, polytunnels, fruit trees and a wide range of fruit, vegetables and flowers being grown this community garden shows nature's harvest at its best.

]]> Police support services in Paisley.

]]> Stanely House was built by industrialist Thomas Coats and the entirety of the wooden interiors (including the central staircase) was made using oak imported from America.

]]> The Whithorn Way is a pilgrim route from Glasgow to Whithorn.

]]> Paisley: The Secret Collection is the first publicly accessible museum store on a UK High Street, containing thousands of objects reflecting Renfrewshire's amazing heritage and culture. The centre is a space where everyone can explore, learn, research and discover hidden treasures in the collection.

]]> Recently refurbished as Shetland Amenity Trust's latest camping Böd. Aithbank is the former home of Jeemsie Laurenson, Fetlar's best-known storyteller. The beach below the kailyard was a fish-curing station, operated by Hay & Co. in the mid-19C.

]]> An early 19C pair of industrial buildings which are one of the last remaining examples of how the Lerwick docks were built up. Now carefully refurbished by the Amenity Trust as their offices, many interesting details and features.

]]> Historically Lerwick’s most important 19th Century building, a gift of Arthur Anderson to the community and opened in 1862. The former Anderson Institute now serves the School’s English Department and library. 

]]> Classical Georgian mansion with all the design features expected of the finest houses of its period. The symmetrical frontage, quadrant walls, twin pavilions and formally laid out gardens, are all unique in the Northern Isles. Internally much of the fine detailing survives. A category A listed building, the house has been faithfully restored by The Belmont Trust. BOOKING ESSENTIAL.

Credit photograph to Mark Sinclair (Phatsheep)

]]> Designed by David & Thomas Stevenson, built in 1858, this has since guided shipping through the "Sooth Mooth" into Lerwick Harbour. Carefully maintained and in a stunning position, magnificent lenses in the tower.

]]> Fascinating category A listed house circa 1820, gothic in style with classical and Moorish detailing. Crenallated ‘observatory’ tower. Works to safeguard the buildings are to start soon.

You may also like to visit Fetlar Interpretative Centre where an extensive photo collection, artefacts and film footage relating to Brough is available (entry fee applies). Also visit Leagarth House.

]]> Late 17C. Laird's House, extended 19-20C. Category B Listed. Fine period interiors and prominent coastal position. Combine with visit to Saxa Vord radar Station (No.1).

]]> Originally a 16th century lairds house, Busta House is a former lairds house dating from 1714 with additions in the late 18th century, 1980 and 1983. Situated on the shores of Busta Voe on the outskirts of the village of Brae, now serving as a three star hotel.

Parts of the original 18th century panelling surviving, matching the panelling in Haa of Sand and Gardie House. The outside grounds include a boat house, harbour and slipway, doocot and even Gargoyles brought to Busta from the House of Commons in the 18th century.

The hotel is open to non residents and serves refreshments, snacks and meals on a daily basis and also caters for celebrations of all kinds, including weddings.

]]> Established in 2001, Böd Ayre produces natural and organically certified gardening and animal feed supplement products from Shetland’s own seaweed. During your visit you will learn about the processes involved from harvesting to mincing and drying in order to produce the finished product.

Photo (c) www.seaweedproducts.co.uk

]]> Traditional croft-house renovated in modern-rustic style by the architect Richard Gibson who uses it as a "beach-house retreat", reachable only by boat or by track over the moor, no dogs allowed.

]]> CGOC Shetland is one of 10 operations centres plus the National Maritime Operations Centre which make up HM Coastguards National Search and Rescue network responding to emergencies on the shoreline and at sea within the UK Search and Rescue Region.

Her Majesty's Coastguard (HMCG) is a section of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency responsible for the initiation and co-ordination of all maritime search and rescue (SAR) within the UK Maritime Search and Rescue Region. This includes the mobilisation, organisation and tasking of adequate resources to respond to persons either in distress at sea, or to persons at risk of injury or death on the cliffs or shoreline of the United Kingdom.

Join a guided tour of the building explaining the role of HM Coastguard the UK search and rescue national network concept and the role CGOC Shetland play in this.

]]> Restoration programe, the listed Easthouse Croft is a now rare example of a crofting settlement with its various outbuildings and thatched roofs surviving. Recently restored as premises for the Burra History Group.]]> Listed lighthouse built by David A and Charles Stevenson. Flat-roofed single-storey keepers' houses and short, square tower. Prominently sited within dramatic coastal scenery, the lighthouse buildings have recently been acquired by Shetland Amenity Trust as its latest camping Böd.

]]> Gairdwill Lodge is the only example of a restored fishing lodge in Shetland. During the 19th century huts like this provided the far haaf fishermen with accommodation close to their fishing grounds. This lodge was destroyed by the sea in the great storm of 1900 and lay untouched for 110 years. It has now been fully excavated, rebuilt and restored to how it may have looked at the end of the 19th century. The interior is filled with period objects and finds from the excavation.

(about a 10 minute walk from the road, unsuitable for the elderly/infirm/disabled).

]]> In 1901, the 7th Volunteer Battalion ‘The Gordon Highlanders’ was formed in Shetland. HQ and facilities were subsequently required. On 22 July 1903 Captain Commandant Moffat of the Battalion laid the memorial stone of the new building, with the formal inauguration taking place on 17 September 1904. It could never have been envisaged at the time that “Da Dreel Haal” would serve the community for over a century and become the much loved “Garrison Theatre”.

The Drill Hall/Gymnasium measured 21.3m by 10m, and the various gymnastic apparatus could be cleared away to leave floor space for drill. The building also contained a Recreation and Lecture Room, Anteroom, Armoury and Toilet. The Commanding Officer and adjutant had a room upstairs, adjoining the Officers’ Mess. A Gymnasium Club was formed which was open to Shetland residents of both sexes and all ages. Running costs were met by grants from Zetland County Council, Lerwick Town Council and public donations. The Club employed a qualified instructor and within three weeks of opening there were a total of 238 members.

Following the outbreak of war in 1914, Lerwick became an important naval base and the Drill Hall was required for wartime use. After the war, the Territorial Army (TA) was not in operation and the Hall continued to be used for badminton, with the adjacent rooms let as offices including estate offices for the Garth Estate. Following mobilisation of the TA in 1939, the hall was requisitioned as headquarters for the Shetland Defence Battalion and later for the 7th Battalion Black Watch. The population of Shetland doubled with the influx of servicemen and initially the building was used as an army meat store and canteen.

In 1940 ENSA, (Entertainments National Service Association), commandeered the hall as a theatre to entertain service personnel. It was soon dubbed the “Garrison Theatre” and following conversion to a proper theatre by the Royal Engineers and Pioneers it was officially named so when it reopened on 7 December 1941. Now completely transformed with a sloping stage, full stage lighting, cinema projectors and screen the theatre remained in use until the end of the war. It was constantly filled to capacity as army personnel and locals alike were entertained by servicemen, touring concert parties, film shows and famous celebrities. In February 1943 the well-known stage and film comedian George Formby and his wife paid a flying visit and in August the equally well-known and popular Gracie Fields entertained the troops.

A complete refurbishment of the theatre was carried out in 1989 and “Da Garrison” was reopened on 31 October 1990 by SIC Convener Edward Thomason, OBE. Shetland Islands Council with Shetland Arts Trust, now Shetland Arts, have been responsible for the operation of Garrison Theatre since 2006. At the present time, despite the opening of Mareel in 2012, the 280 seated Garrison Theatre facilitates the provision of a varied annual programme of community and professional shows, including live theatre, fiddle competitions, stand up comedy, concerts, dance and pantomime.

]]> A large gabled villa, a showpiece in its heyday, with walled garden, exotic plants and private electricity supply. Extensive glazed outbuildings and a hall that was used by the community. This was the home of Sir William Watson Cheyne, assistant to Lord Lister, a pioneer in the field of antiseptic surgery.
(Also visit Brough Lodge)

]]> Completed in 2003, and the first of the 'next generation' of retained fire stations in the Highlands and Islands. Incorporating the Shetland District Office, it is finished to the highest standards and provides the very best facilities for community fire fighting.

]]> The lodberries were used by merchants for trading (both legal and often illegal goods!). Though most are gone, this A-listed lodberrie, dated from c. 1772, is a stunning example of the buildings that once lined the waterfront. Shetland’s most photographed building, a visit to the Lodberrie offers not just the chance to see the non-domestic ground floor, including: workshop, skeo, cellar and courtyards, but also to learn about this history of Shetland’s traders.

]]> Stunning hill-top laird's house, built for Robert Hunter of Lunna, Chamberlain of the Lordship of Zetland. It has fine period interiors and detailing, with striking views. An armorial panel commemorates the 1707 marriage of Thomas Hunter and Grisel Bruce.

Lunna has a dramatic history as the first base of the Second World War ‘Shetland Bus’ - by which Norwegian fishing boats sent supplies to the Resistance in Norway and brought back refugees.

]]> The first of a new generation of vehicle ferries, the MV linga carries up to 95 passenger and 16 cars between Whalsay and the mainland of Shetland. At a length of 36 metres and weighting 658 gross tonnes, she is the third largest vessel in Shetland Islands Council's fleet.

]]> Catch the ferry at West Burrafirth on foot at 8.45 (sailing at 9.00) The day will begin on Papa Stour in the island's waiting room by the pier with a welcome and a hot drink.

Next there will be a walk to the stofa and Kirk to view the only surviving stain glass window by Victor Noble Rainbird. To the rear of the Kirk is a small Interpretative Centre where maps and postcards will be on sale.

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