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, December 17, 2014.

Do you remember these stories or spot any familiar faces?

1. Neilston family firm lands ‘lifetime’ award

(Image: Newsquest) One of Neilston’s most successful family businesses was celebrating after being given a prestigious honour. Ian and Margaret Murdoch, the owners of Neilston based J&M Murdoch & Son Ltd, were given an Industry Lifetime Achievement award at the annual Transport News Scottish Rewards presentation ceremony held in Glasgow. 

2. Creative designs light up road safety calendar

(Image: Newsquest) A creative Cross Arthurlie classmate was set to have her artwork featured on walls across East Renfrewshire. Primary six Maria McEwan joined 11 other East Renfrewshire pupils in having her picture feature on the council’s road safety calendar. Young Maria’s design was chosen out of more than 1,000 entries to the popular competition, which had been a school staple for the past 30 years.

3. Barrhead boxer crowned university champion

(Image: Newsquest) A Barrhead boxer became a master of the arts with a stunning display at the Scottish Universities Open Championship in Edinburgh. Twenty-two-year-old Ross Flockhart produced a knockout performance over the course of the weekend at Napier University as he looked to lay the memories of the previous year’s second-place performance to rest. That time out he lost in the final to Aberdeen’s Mark Patt — however the University of the West of Scotland hopeful exorcised the memory of that defeat by stopping Patt in the second round of this year’s final.

4. Teacher writes another chapter in success story

(Image: Newsquest) A talented primary school teacher was nominated for her second prestigious award. Lindsay Littleson, who had taught at Kilbarchan Primary for the previous 20 years, was named as one of three finalists in a book writing competition honouring Dundee’s contribution to World War One. It was another fantastic achievement for the mum-of-four, who previously landed a prize of £2,000 and a publishing deal with Floris Books Kelpies imprint. 

5. Cafe serves up £10k treat

(Image: Newsquest) A Renfrewshire café donated a whopping £10,000 to charity. Beanfeast, inside Paisley Sheriff Court, handed over £2,500 to four different charities. 

6. Linwood dad pounds the streets for charity

(Image: Newsquest) A dedicated dad took part in an incredible 14 charity races for a cause close to his heart. Derek Cuthbertson, from Linwood, ran races in all kinds of conditions that were being held the length and breadth of Scotland. The 41-year-old said he was spurred on in his physical endeavours by the thought of members of his family who have fought cancer. In the previous nine months he raised more than £1,025 in sponsorship for the 10k races in aid of Cancer Research.

7. Kilmacolm actor loved mixing with A-list colleagues

(Image: Newsquest) A Hollywood star from Kilmacolm said it felt ‘absolutely insane’ to mingle with A-listers at the world premiere of the new Hobbit movie in London. John Bell, who played Bain in The Battle of the Five Armies, looked every inch the film star in his Dolce and Gabbana suit as he rubbed shoulders with household names including Martin Freeman, Sir Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom and Evangeline Lilly. Under the spotlight of the world’s press in Leicester Square, John thrilled fans by spending nearly two hours posing for selfies and signing autographs. He then went inside with his mum Susan, dad Iain and friend Aimee Richardson to watch himself on the huge IMAX screen.