Things to do in Renfrewshire

The remains of Johnstone Castle stands within a housing estates south of Beith Road in Johnstone. This castle dated originally from around 1600. Most of the castle was demolished around 1960 - the tower is all that remains.. The original building dates back to 16th century. In 1771 and 1812 George Houston, the fourth laird of Johnstone Castle, extended the castle. The last laird to stay in Johnstone Castle was George Ludovic Houstoun in the early 20th century. During the second World War the castle was taken over by the War Office and used as a prisoner-of-war camp. After the war, the castle and land was bought by Johnstone Town Council. They acquired the land for building of houses to help with the Glasgow overspill. The castle by this time was in ruins and most of it was demolished. The Arts Chopin was a temporary resident

Murnoch Spout is a charming waterfall located in the rolling countryside near Lochwinnoch in Renfrewshire, Scotland, where the Murchan Burn cascades over a rocky ledge in a relatively secluded woodland setting. The fall itself is modest in height, typically estimated at around 4 to 5 metres, creating a single drop that varies considerably in character depending on seasonal water levels. During periods of heavy rainfall, particularly in the wetter months from autumn through spring, the burn swells and the waterfall becomes a vigorous torrent, sending spray into the surrounding air and filling the glen with the sound of rushing water. In drier summer months, the flow can reduce to a gentler trickle, revealing more of the underlying rock structure and creating a more contemplative atmosphere in this peaceful woodland corner. The Murchan Burn itself is a small tributary stream that flows through agricultural land and patches of mixed woodland before reaching Murnoch Spout and eventually joining the wider network of waters that drain towards the River Calder and ultimately into the Firth of Clyde. The underlying geology of this part of Renfrewshire consists largely of sedimentary rocks from the Carboniferous period, with layers of sandstone and mudstone that have been shaped by millennia of erosion. The waterfall has formed where the burn encounters a more resistant band of rock, creating the small but distinct drop that characterizes Murnoch Spout. The surrounding landscape is typical of the lowland areas of western Scotland, with a patchwork of farmland, hedgerows, and remnant woodland that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. The area around Lochwinnoch and the Murchan Burn has long been inhabited and worked by humans, though Murnoch Spout itself does not feature prominently in documented historical records or major folklore traditions. The name "spout" is a common Scots term for a waterfall or gushing stream, reflecting the local vernacular that has been used for centuries to describe such natural features. The wider Lochwinnoch area has a rich history connected to the weaving industry and agriculture, and the burns and streams of the region would have been important for powering mills and providing water for livestock and domestic use. While there are no dramatic legends specifically attached to this waterfall, it forms part of the subtle, lived-in landscape that has witnessed generations of Scottish rural life. The woodland surrounding Murnoch Spout supports typical species of the Scottish lowlands, including birch, oak, and alder trees, with an understorey of ferns, mosses, and wildflowers that thrive in the damp conditions near the burn. The area provides habitat for birds such as wrens, robins, and various tits, while the stream itself may support populations of aquatic invertebrates that form the base of the local food chain. During spring and early summer, the woodland floor comes alive with bluebells and other flowering plants, creating a particularly attractive setting for visitors who make the effort to seek out this relatively unheralded waterfall. The combination of running water, woodland cover, and the surrounding agricultural mosaic creates a diverse microhabitat that supports a richer array of species than might be expected in such a small area. Access to Murnoch Spout requires local knowledge or careful map reading, as it is not a heavily promoted tourist destination and lacks the formal infrastructure of more famous Scottish waterfalls. The waterfall lies south of Lochwinnoch village, and can be approached via minor roads and farm tracks in the area around the grid reference NS290609. Visitors should be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially after rain, and should respect private land and farming operations in the vicinity. The walk to the waterfall is relatively short once the correct access point is located, making it suitable for a brief excursion rather than a full day's hiking. Those exploring the area would be wise to wear appropriate footwear and to be mindful of livestock and crops in adjacent fields, as this is very much a working landscape rather than a designated recreational area. Murnoch Spout exemplifies the kind of small, intimate waterfall that characterizes much of Scotland's lower-lying regions, offering a quieter alternative to the more dramatic falls of the Highlands. While it may lack the height and volume of famous cascades, it possesses its own understated charm and provides a worthwhile objective for local residents and waterfall enthusiasts seeking to explore the lesser-known corners of Renfrewshire. The waterfall serves as a reminder that Scotland's natural beauty is not confined to its most celebrated locations, but is distributed throughout the countryside in countless small features that reward those willing to venture off the beaten path.

Stanely Castle, to the west of Paisley, is still standing today, despite sitting in the middle of a reservoir. The exterior of this L-shaped keep is relatively intact - but the interior of the structure is now completely destroyed. It is situated on land that was originally the property of the Danzieltoun or Dennistoun family. In 1402, the lands passed through marriage to the Maxwells of Calderwood. The Maxwells built the four storey Stanely Castle and it remained in the family until 1629, when it was sold to the Hawkhead family. It passed by marriage to the Boyle family in the middle of the 18th century. David Boyle had been made the first Earl of Glasgow in 1703 and the family's main estate was centred around Kelburn Castle at Largs. By the 19th century the family found themselves in serious debt and Stanely Castle was abandoned and fell into ruin. In 1837 the marshland surrounding the castle was flooded to create the Stanely Reservoir, which supplied the people of Paisley and its surrounding areas with fresh water. Over the years, the reservoir level was raised. It now submerges the lower portion of the castle.