Renfrewshire Council

Colleagues, I hope you had a chance to enjoy a break over Easter and I'd like to wish all of our senior pupils and schools the best of luck in their exams.  

Meeting staff at Brediland Children's House This month I've had the privilege of spending time in three of our Children's Houses - Brediland in Linwood, Barrochan in Johnstone and Beech in Paisley as well as a visit to Charleston Square, our award winning Throughcare facility that supports independent living for care experienced young people between the ages of 16 and 25 years old.

Firstly, I'd like to take the opportunity to thank both Michelle McCargo and Kevin Smith from Children's Services Directorate for organising the visits and to our managers Michael Rowan, Karen Turnbull, Susan Hay and Wendy Carnochan and their teams for their support. I came away feeling deeply moved, humbled, inspired, and proud of what I saw. It was heartening to hear how the young people who live in the houses are consulted and strongly influence how the services are delivered.

Each of our Children's Houses are physically unique, quite different from each other with their own character and feel. From the way the rooms were decorated to how they used the spaces, you could really feel the individuality of each. Importantly however, it is clear these are not just buildings or services — and neither they should be, they are homes, in the truest sense of the word.

What struck me most was a common thread which ran through them all - the deep sense of care, commitment and love from the staff teams. In every conversation I had, I heard of people who are truly devoted to giving our young people the very best — not just in terms of safety and support, but in helping them feel seen, listened to, valued and believed in. Most of all they are loved and cared for and given the opportunity to thrive.

The teams all spoke with real warmth and care about the relationships within the Houses and the challenges that happen in all family homes. They also reflected on a culture built on trust, compassion and a real dedication to provide positivity and happiness to the lives of our young people.

Charleston Square, our Throughcare facility, was no different in terms of the caring, supportive and loving environment nurtured there. Here the team have shaped and developed a really special model, combining a fantastic physical environment with a quite different approach to supporting young people who are making that challenging transition to independent living. Hearing of the success achieved over the years was truly inspiring and I'm not in the least surprised that the team continue to be contacted by colleagues from across the country to learn more about their approach.

It reminded me that the work we do in local government isn't about structures or systems, it's about people — and nowhere is that clearer than in the lives being shaped, supported, and nurtured in our support for care experienced young people.

So, to all of the teams working day in, day out in these homes: thank you. Your work is extraordinary, and it's changing lives. For me the greatest accolade for you all is hearing of the young people who have left and successfully moved on, yet who return time after time for an event, some Sunday lunch or just to say hello.

Outstanding recognition for Children's Services

I would also like to congratulate our Director of Children's Services, Janie O'Neill, and her education services team who were this month recognised in not one but three case studies highlighting good practice in the inspection of all Scottish schools. To have Renfrewshire feature so prominently in the HM Inspectors of Education report for three individual projects is an excellent endorsement and showcases both our talented workforce and our collaborative approach to parent engagement, professional development and use of data for learning.

This is the latest endorsement in a succession of incredibly positive inspection outcomes across Children's services throughout the last 12 to 18 months further consolidating Renfrewshire's reputation as a leader in educational outcomes. Excellent work.

Renfrew Bridge opening

I'm delighted that Renfrew Bridge will open to cars, pedestrians and active travel on Friday 9 May. This marks the completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project which we believe will bring significant investment and development opportunities, thousands of new jobs, and connect communities on both sides of the river to leisure, work and health opportunities. The extension to Argyll Avenue, connecting Inchinnan Road to Meadowside Street, is open now too which will ease traffic flow through Renfrew town centre, create easier access to AMIDS, and is another key benefit the project will bring to the local area.

Thanks to our City Deal and Roads teams, and all those who have supported them, for the dedication they have shown to successfully deliver such an important project for Renfrewshire.

Paisley festival weekend

Our Paisley Food and Drink Festival returned at the weekend with thousands of visitors enjoying the finest street food, artisan makers and licensed bars, live entertainment, kids workshops and more. We're immensely proud of our free two-day event which was even bigger and better this year thanks to the support of funding from EventScotland, which is part of VisitScotland. Paisley Book Festival, run by OneRen, took place at the same time ensuring plenty on offer for all the family.

If you were in the town, I hope you enjoyed this brilliant weekend of activities, gastronomy, arts, culture and fun.

Best wishes,
Alan

Pictured above (left to right): Kevin Smith, Alan Russell, Connor McLeod, Michael Rowan, Pauline Wilson, Denise Weir and Jennifer O'Hare at Brediland Children's House in Linwood. 

Published Monday 28 April 2025