"Silver Threads" began as a passion project for my
home-town Paisley, growing up in a time when the town
was a bustling hub of industry. Times have changed but
I believe in the power of culture led regeneration to
transform perceptions, people and places.
​
The project celebrates the historical and cultural significance of the town of Paisley and the long lasting weaving heritage in Paisley and the West of Scotland.
Together with fellow Paisley Buddie and award winning
Jazz singer and songwriter Evelyn Laurie we have developed the "Silver Threads" collection discovering Paisley stories and songs from the past, featuring old Scots and Gaelic language and keeping the tradition alive by engaging with the local community and performing to local audiences.
​
We wanted to create a body of work which will provide a lasting record of the cultural and social history of the town and surrounding area for future generations.
Traditional stories such as the Paisley Pinks, the 'reeking' Espedair Burn & the Tatabella character are almost forgotten so we have brought these back to life, setting them to music together with the work of Weaver poets Robert Tannahill and Hugh MacDonald.
​
Silver Threads has been performed at the Sma Shot Festival, Tannahill Arts Festival, Renfrewshire Cycle Arts and the Spree Music & Arts Festival.
We have also been contacted by the Fèis Phàislig arts organisation that promotes interest, education and participation in the traditional arts and Gaelic culture across Renfrewshire to provide song content for their work with young people. https://feisphaislig.com Music from the collection has also been used to help promote the Behind Close Doors: Paisley's Forgotten Tenement Tiles and Architecture project. www.facebook.com/groups/behindclosedoorspaisley
No collection of musical material celebrating the cultural and historical significance of Paisley currently exists. Considering the international impact of Paisley’s weaving industry and the famous Paisley pattern, we aim to create a body of work which will provide a lasting record of the cultural and social history of the town for future generations.
​
Silver threads tube channel at:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqmhd0q3PSpMZeq3KA0GyGpVgSpMpA2OR&si=6-8YWdXH7BJU-EkB