Join us as we take a trip down memory lane to reminisce about what was happening ten years ago in East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire.

We have delved into the Barrhead News and Gazette archives to pick out some stories from around a decade ago.

Here are some photographs from our editions which were published on Wednesday, November 5 and November 12, 2014.

Do you remember these stories or spot any familiar faces?

1. Apprentice star goes for glory

(Image: Newsquest) A young Kilbarchan worker showed he was “a team leader and a team builder” from the earliest days of his Modern Apprenticeship, according to his employer. Fraser Murray’s early promise was recognised when he was named a finalist in the Apprentice Ambassador category of Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship Awards. 

2. Dancers light up Braehead stage

(Image: Newsquest) Students from West College Scotland took centre stage at Braehead shopping mall to show off their talents. Their performances were described as a fusion of dance and make-up artistry, skills the students developed from the creative industries courses they studied at college in Paisley. Hundreds of shoppers gathered around the specially-built catwalk to watch the show.

3. It’s time for a history lesson on church clock

(Image: Newsquest) Councillor Andy Doig wanted youngsters to know why the oldest winding clock in Renfrewshire still stands. Cllr Doig revealed that the popular clock tower was only saved for future generations due to its value in safeguarding the old churchyard from bodysnatchers, known then as “resurrectionists”, in the early 19th Century.

At the time, the local politician told The Gazette: “Every community in my ward will have historic buildings related to Hallowe’en, but few more so than the venerable old man of Lochwinnoch, Auld Simon.

“It is the oldest winding clock in Renfrewshire and the main reason the watchtower was kept was so local weavers in the early 19th Century could keep watch to stop bodysnatchers from stealing bodies."

4. Fire station celebrates 50 years of serving Barrhead

(Image: Newsquest) Barrhead fire station celebrated 50 years in Barrhead and both veterans and serving firefighters came together to celebrate. The Grahamston Road building was the first purpose-built fire station to be built in Barrhead.

5. Charlie will be lighting up Pavilion panto show

(Image: Newsquest) A budding Barrhead dancer won a prestigious role in 2014’s Pavilion panto. At the time, Charlie Gardiner, 12, had only just returned from the trip of a life-time to New York where she underwent a gruelling dance training programme. The hard work paid off for the St Luke’s High School pupil who was named amongst the top young performers and dancers set to appear on the big stage alongside stars such as Michelle McManus, Johnny Mac and Stephen Purdon.

6. Children presented with medals and certificates at ceremony

(Image: Newsquest) More than 150 children were recognised for their hard work and effort on the sports. East Renfrewshire Council organised a successful Commonwealth Games Passport scheme in honour of the Glasgow 2014 event. A total of 154 children and young people took part in the programme, which challenged them to try as many different sports as possible over the summer.