A new initiative set for Renfrewshire’s food landscape has been allocated funding that will shed a spotlight on local businesses.

The project, funded by Scotland Food and Drink, will see local Paisley food writer Peter Gilchrist collaborating closely with Renfrewshire's food and drink businesses to identify areas where support is needed for growth and sustainability.

The area boasts a storied history of food innovation with a diverse array of culinary offerings spanning beer, gin, rum, coffee roasters, confectionery, gelato, and much more.

From iconic brands like Robertsons Marmalade and Brown and Polson's Cornflour to beloved local staples such as Struthers Lemonade and Jean MacGregor's Soup, Renfrewshire has left an indelible mark on Scotland's culinary map.

Peter aims to pinpoint supply chain gaps, barriers to growth, and opportunities to support any new businesses within the county.

Peter said: “A lot of my work focuses on food history and working-class food history. When my grandmother passed away, I inherited one of her cookbooks and began researching some of its recipes.

“That’s when I then discovered about the invention of cornflour in Paisley. From there I started to investigate a lot of the food history of Renfrewshire, there’s a really rich history here.”

The Brown and Polson factory in Paisley was the first to mass produce and market cornflour as a food product.

Peter added: “It feels like the right time to see what we could do for these local businesses. We want to make sure that the food businesses can continue to operate and get the support that they need.”

In addition to business support, Peter is compiling a comprehensive report on Renfrewshire's culinary legacy, inviting community members to share their family recipes, community recipe books, and obscure tales of Renfrewshire food.

Individuals interested in participating in the project are encouraged to contact Joe at joe@tenementkitchen.com.