Bridge of Weir
Bridge of Weir
| |
|---|---|
| Population | 4,635 [1] (2001 census) est. 4,650[2] (2006) |
| OS grid reference | NS387655 |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | JOHNSTONE |
| Postcode district | PA11 |
| Dialling code | 01505 |
| Police | Scotland |
| Fire | Scottish |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| UK Parliament | |
| Scottish Parliament | |
Bridge of Weir is a small town in Renfrewshire, Scotland lying within the Gryffe Valley. It largely serves as a dormitory settlement for nearby Glasgow and Paisley, although maintains a commercial centre of its own.
History
Bridge of Weir was historically an area divided between the parishes of neighbouring Houston and Killellan and Kilbarchan on either side of the River Gryffe.[3] Growing out of the lands of Ranfurly, mainly occupied by small farms, the name 'Bridge of Weir' is first recorded in the early 18th century before any village was built. The 'weir' is a reference to a salmon weir which used to be located on the Gryffe. An older name provided for the village is 'Port o'Weir', implying a river crossing; this name remained in some use even after the Bridge of Weir name had been adopted.[4]
The bridge at Bridge of Weir was constructed at Burngill c.1770 and was considerably upgraded and widened in 1892 to allow for two-way traffic. It was finally demolished in 1964, with a more modern structure created. The bridge owes is construction to being on the route between the significant towns of Greenock and Paisley, with a Great Road constructed between the two in 1794. Also significant to the infrastructure of the emerging settlement was the construction of the Glasgow, Paisley and Ardrossan canal which, despite its name, was only constructed up to nearby Johnstone. The Johnstone to Bridge of Weir route was formalised on the 20 June 1864 by the construction of Bridge of Weir railway station which went on to substantially alter the character of the village and contribute vastly to its forthcoming affluence. The railway closed on 10 January 1983 and now forms part of the Clyde to Forth cycle route (National Cycle Route 75).
The first semblances of the village came to be with the rise of the West of Scotland cotton industry, the Gryffe being used to power numerous mills. Its most significant industry, however, was to emerge in leather. At its productivity peak the small village supported three tanneries. The leather industry survives to this day, albeit on a smaller scale than during its heyday. American car manufacturer Lincoln has long promoted its use of Bridge of Weir leather in their Continental line of luxury cars.
In 1989, the benches of the British Parliament's House of Commons and House of Lords chambers in Westminster were reupholstered using Bridge of Weir leather.[5]
Governance
Bridge of Weir is part of the council area of Renfrewshire, as well the historic county of Renfrewshire which has wider boundaries and retains some official functions, for example as a registration county and lieutenancy area.
For elections to Renfrewshire Council, Bridge of Weir is part of ward 10, named 'Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank', which elects three of Renfrewshire's forty councillors.[6] These members are: Cllr Michael Holmes (Labour), Cllr Iain Langlands (Conservative) and Cllr Carol Puthucheary (SNP).[6]
Bridge of Weir is also one of Renfrewshire's twenty-seven community council areas.[7]
Culture and community
Activities
The village boasts some excellent river fishing, bisected as it is by the River Gryffe, a tributary of the Black Cart Water which itself is a tributary of the River Clyde. Amongst other species, the river is host to brown trout, grayling and, occasionally, Atlantic salmon. The scenery around the river, in particular to the west of the town, towards Quarrier's Village, is quite stunning and unspoilt. Ben Lomond is just across the Clyde and there are some excellent spots for hillwalking in the surrounding area, for example Misty Law and Windy Hill.
The village is also known for its golf history, at one point there were five golf courses in the vicinity, today there are two remaining, OC Ranfurly golf club and the Ranfurly Castle golf club.
Notable people
The writer Colin Galbraith was brought up in the village and Professor Leslie Green, a noted jurisprudential theorist was born there.
See also
References
- ^ "Comparative Population Profile: Bridge of Weir Locality". Scotland's Census Results Online. 2001-04-29. Retrieved 2008-08-31.
- ^ http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/publications-and-data
- ^ GENUKI: Houston And Killallan
- ^ W. Lyle, Bridge of Weir, ISBN 0 9503943 0 0, p.6-7
- ^ Renfrewshire Community Website - Bridge of Weir
- ^ a b "Renfrewshire Community Website - Wards". Renfrewshire Council. Retrieved 2009-06-14.
- ^ "Renfrewshire Community Website - Community Councils". Renfrewshire Council. Retrieved 2009-06-14.