Minutes of meeting
Renfrewshire Council · 26 June 2025
Back to Council — 26 June 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Minute of Meeting Council Date Time Venue Thursday, 26 June 2025 09:30 Council Chambers (Renfrewshire), Council Headquarters, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1AN Present: Councillor Jennifer Adam, Councillor Fiona Airlie-Nicolson, Councillor Alison Ann- Dowling, Councillor Stephen Burns, Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, Provost Lorraine Cameron, Councillor Michelle Campbell, Councillor Graeme Clark, Councillor Carolann Davidson, Councillor Eddie Devine, Councillor Andy Doig, Councillor Audrey Doig, Councillor Chris Gilmour, Councillor Edward Grady, Councillor Gillian Graham, Councillor Neill Graham, Councillor Anne Hannigan, Councillor John Hood, Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Councillor Alec Leishman, Councillor Bruce MacFarlane, Councillor James MacLaren, Councillor Kenny MacLaren, Councillor Mags MacLaren, Councillor Colin McCulloch, Councillor Janis McDonald, Councillor Cathy McEwan, Councillor David McGonigle, Councillor Jamie McGuire, Councillor Marie McGurk, Councillor Iain McMillan, Councillor John McNaughtan, Councillor Kevin Montgomery, Councillor Sam Mullin, Councillor Will Mylet, Councillor Iain Nicolson, Councillor Jim Paterson, Councillor Emma Rodden, Councillor John Shaw, Councillor Ben Smith, Councillor Andy Steel Chair Provost L Cameron, Convener, presided. In Attendance A Russell, Chief Executive; J O’Neill, Director of Children’s Services; G McNeil, Director of Environment, Housing & Infrastructure; A MacArthur, Director of Finance & Resources; L McIntyre, Head of Policy & Partnerships, L Adamson, Interim Head of Marketing, Communications & Events Services, B Walker, Programme Director (City Deal & Infrastructure) and P Moss, Strategy, Planning & Insight Manager (all Chief Executive’s); J Trainer, Head of Child Care & Criminal Justice (Children’s Services); C Dalrymple, Head of Facilities & Property Services and J Wallace, Infrastructure & Transportation Manager (both Environment, Housing & Infrastructure); M Conaghan, Head of Corporate Governance, R Cree, Head of People & Organisational Development, C McCourt, Head of Finance & Procurement, P Murray, Head of Digital, Transformation & Customer Services, N Young, Managing Solicitor (Litigation & Advice), D Low, Democratic Services Manager and E Gray, Senior Committee Services Officer (all Finance & Resources); V Hollows, Chief Executive and F Naylor, Finance, Governance & Business Improvement Director (both OneRen); and C O'Byrne, Interim Chief Officer (Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership).
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Webcasting of Council Meeting Prior to the commencement of the meeting, Provost Cameron intimated that this meeting would be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site. Apologies Councillors Gray and Innes. Declaration of Interest Councillor Hughes declared an interest in item 14 by reason of her husband being the owner and founder of Novosound. Councillor Hughes indicated that as she had declared an interest, she would leave the meeting during any discussion or voting thereon. Transparency Statements Councillor McGuire declared a connection to items 11 and 15 by reason of being a sponsor of Renfrew FC. However, he indicated that he had applied the objective test and did not consider he had an interest to declare. Councillor McMillan declared a connection to items 8 and 9 by reason of being a sponsor of Johnstone Burgh. However, he indicated that he had applied the objective test and did not consider he had an interest to declare. Councillor Gilmour declared a connection to items 8 and 9 by reason of being a sponsor of Johnstone Burgh. However, he indicated that he had applied the objective test and did not consider he had an interest to declare. Councillor Shaw declared a connection to items 11 and 15 by reason of being a sponsor of Renfrew FC. However, he indicated that he had applied the objective test and did not consider he had an interest to declare. Councillor Steel declared a connection to items 8 and 9 by reason of being a sponsor of Johnstone Burgh. However, he indicated that he had applied the objective test and did not consider he had an interest to declare. Councillor G Graham declared a connection to items 8 and 9 by reason of being a sponsor of Johnstone Burgh. However, she indicated that she had applied the objective test and did not consider she had an interest to declare. Councillor Hughes declared a connection to items 11 and 15 by reason of being a sponsor of Renfrew Ladies FC. However, she indicated that she had applied the objective test and did not consider she had an interest to declare.
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Provost Cameron declared a connection to items 8 and 9 by reason of her grandson playing with Johnstone Burgh. However, she indicated that she had applied the objective test and did not consider she had an interest to declare. Councillor Hood declared a connection to item 10 by reason of being a Director of Johnstone Sound. However, he indicated that he had applied the objective test and did not consider he had an interest to declare. Councillor Campbell declared a connection to item 13 by reason that she was a NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde employee. However, she indicated that she had applied the objective test and did not consider she had an interest to declare. Councillor Mullin declared a connection to item 13 by reason that he was a NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde employee. However, he indicated that he had applied the objective test and did not consider he had an interest to declare. 1 Minutes of Meetings of Council, Boards and Panels There were submitted the Minutes of the following meetings of the Council, Boards and Panels on the dates specified: Placing Requests and Exclusions Appeals Panel, 28 April 2025 Council, 1 May 2025 Placing Requests and Exclusions Appeals Panel, 8 May 2025 Communities and Housing Policy Board, 13 May 2025 Regulatory Functions Board, 14 May 2025 Education and Children's Services Policy Board, 15 May 2025 Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, 19 May 2025 Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, 20 May 2025 Planning and Climate Change Policy Board, 20 May 2025 Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, 21 May 2025 Personnel Appeals and Applied Conditions of Service Appeals Panel, 22 May 2025 Regulatory Functions Board, 29 May 2025 Petitions Board, 2 June 2025 Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, 12 June 2025 Local Review Body, 17 June 2025 Leadership Board, 18 June 2025 DECIDED: That the minutes be approved. 2 Provost's Update The Provost advised that an update on the duties she had undertaken since the last meeting of the Council held on 1 May 2025 had been distributed to members. DECIDED: That the update be noted.
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3 Unaudited Annual Accounts 2024/25 and Interim Financial Update There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Council’s accounts and group accounts for 2024/25 which would be submitted for audit by the statutory deadline of 30 June 2025. A copy of the accounts, along with the accounts of the Coats Observatory Trust, was appended to the report. DECIDED: (a) That authority be delegated to the Director of Finance & Resources to submit the accounts to external audit within the relevant timescales; (b) That the Annual Governance Statement for 2024/25 be approved; (c) That the revenue outturn position for the Council be noted and that the sums earmarked within the General Fund reserves and HRA reserves, as outlined in section 4 and Appendix 1 of the report, be approved; (d) That the transfer of resources outlined in Table 1 and Appendix 1 of the report be approved; (e) That, subject to audit, the annual accounts for the Coats Observatory Trust Fund, attached at Appendix 3 of the report, which under accounting regulations required to be prepared and audited separately from the Council’s accounts, be approved; (f) That the revenue and capital updates outlined in sections 10 and 11 of the report be noted; and (g) That the capital plan changes outlined in section 11 of the report be agreed and that the proposed next steps in relation to contract award and grant acceptance under delegation during the summer recess period, subject to the anticipated approval of the full business case position by the Department for Transport, be agreed. 4 Treasury Management Annual Report for 2024/25 There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Council’s Treasury Management Annual Report for 2024/25, which was required in terms of the Local Government Investments (Scotland) Regulations 2010. DECIDED: That the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2024/25 be noted. 5 Accounts Commission - Best Value Audit Report There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Accounts Commission’s findings on the Controller of Audit’s Best Value report for Renfrewshire Council.
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DECIDED: (a) That the Accounts Commission’s findings noting officer feedback outlined at section 4 of the report be noted and accepted; (b) That it be agreed that the improvements identified through the Best Value audit process be incorporated into the existing Corporate Improvement Plan and reported to the Leadership Board on a six- monthly basis; and (c) That it be noted that the next update on the Corporate Improvement Plan would be provided to the meeting Leadership Board to be held on 17 September 2025. 6 Governance Arrangements There was submitted a joint report by the Director of Environment, Housing & Infrastructure and the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Council's programme for flag flying, the lighting up of Council buildings and the filling of vacancies on a number of Council Boards. The Head of Corporate Governance advised members of a number of changes which were required to Appendix 1 of the report, namely that the event listed as Girl Guide Movement should be World Thinking Day which would take place on 22 February and that the event listed for World Prostate Cancer Day should be on 11 June. It was further noted that corrections were required to the spelling of Houstoun Square. Councillor Hughes, seconded by Councillor Shaw, moved the recommendations detailed in the report subject to the corrections noted above and the following addition: "Council agrees that the Burgh flags of Renfrew and Johnstone be flown from the relevant flagpoles in those towns except on occasions as contained in Appendix 2 and confirms that the existing arrangements for Renfrewshire House which represents the Renfrewshire Council area remains the same, until such time as the Council determines otherwise. Council also notes and recognises that the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Renfrewshire Council occurs in 2026. Council therefore agrees that the flag of Renfrewshire Council be flown to mark the occasion from the relevant flag poles during 2026. Council further agrees that the above matters be delegated to the Provost and relevant officers." This was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: (a) That the five structures and programme of events for lighting up of Council buildings, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, subject to the corrections noted above, be agreed; (b) Council agrees that the Burgh flags of Renfrew and Johnstone be flown from the relevant flagpoles in those towns except on occasions as contained in Appendix 2 and confirms that the existing arrangements for Renfrewshire House which represents the Renfrewshire Council area remains the same, until such time as the Council
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determines otherwise; (c) Council also notes and recognises that the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Renfrewshire Council occurs in 2026. Council therefore agrees that the flag of Renfrewshire Council be flown to mark the occasion from the relevant flag poles during 2026. Council further agrees that the above matters be delegated to the Provost and relevant officers; (d) That the programme of flag flying, as detailed Appendix 2 of the report and subject to the changes agreed above, be noted; (e) That the following nominations by the Labour Group, be approved: Councillor Grady to fill the vacancy on the Planning and Climate Change Policy Board; Councillor Clark to fill the vacancy on the Communities & Housing Policy Board; Councillor Mullin to fill the vacancy on the Economy & Regeneration Policy Board; Councillor McCulloch to replace Councillor Montgomery on the Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board; and Councillor McDonald to fill the vacancy as a substitute member on Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board; and (f) That it be agreed that, in light of no nominations having been received in respect of the vacancy on the Licensing Board, the membership of that Board be reduced in number from 10 to nine. 7 Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board Annual Report 2024/25 There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Audit Risk & Scrutiny Board’s 2024/25 Annual Report. The Annual Report provided information on the remit, role, membership and attendance of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board, issues covered by the Board during the reporting period, the annual programme of review and the programme of training provided to members. The CIPFA Audit Committee Guidance - Self-assessment Action Plan – May 2025 was set out at Appendix 1 of the report. DECIDED: (a) That it be noted that the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board had, in relation to the CIPFA position statement 2022, complied with best practice guidance in relation to demonstrating its effectiveness in providing a foundation for sound corporate governance; and (b) That the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board Annual Report 2024/25 be noted. Order of Business In terms of Standing Order 16, the Provost intimated that she proposed to alter the order of business to facilitate the conduct of the meeting by considering items 8 and 9 together and items 11 and 15 together.
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8 Notice of Motion 1 by Councillors McMillan and Gilmour and Notice of Motion 2 by Councillors Steel and J Cameron There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McMillan and Gilmour in the following terms: "Johnstone Burgh Football Club Council wishes to congratulate Johnstone Burgh on winning the Scottish Junior Cup against Tranent for season 2024/2025. Council recognises the hard work done by the committee, coaching staff and players in achieving this success. The Council further wishes the club well for the future." Councillor McMillan, seconded by Councillor Gilmour, then moved the motion. There was also submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Steel and J Cameron in the following terms: ""Johnstone Burgh Football Club" Council congratulates Johnstone Burgh FC on their achievement of winning the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time since 1968. Council applauds the work done by players, staff and volunteers who make the Burgh a central part of Johnstone." Councillor Steel, seconded by Councillor J Cameron, then moved the motion. Councillors McMillan and Gilmour and Councillors Steel and J Cameron, being the movers and seconders of Notices of Motion 1 and 2 respectively, agreed in terms of Standing Order 27 that both motions be combined. The motions as combined, were agreed unanimously. DECIDED: Johnstone Burgh Football Club Council wishes to congratulate Johnstone Burgh on winning the Scottish Junior Cup against Tranent for season 2024/2025. Council recognises the hard work done by the committee, coaching staff and players in achieving this success. The Council further wishes the club well for the future. Council congratulates Johnstone Burgh FC on their achievement of winning the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time since 1968.
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Council applauds the work done by players, staff and volunteers who make the Burgh a central part of Johnstone. 9 Notice of Motion 3 by Councillors Andy Doig and Hood There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Andy Doig and Hood in the following terms: "Feasibility Study into the Introduction of Criterium Cycling Events in Johnstone Town Centre Renfrewshire Council requests that the Events Team undertakes a feasibility study into the organisation of criterium cycle racing events in Johnstone town centre as part of their annual calendar, utilising funding for this from a variety of sources including, but not exclusive to, Scottish Cycling, One Ren, and business sponsorship. Council notes the success of various criterium events across the UK, and believes that in developing such an event in Johnstone it should be predicated on liaison with the Johnstone Business Consortium, Johnstone Community Council, and Johnstone Sounds to make it as community-based as possible." Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor Hood, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: Feasibility Study into the Introduction of Criterium Cycling Events in Johnstone Town Centre Renfrewshire Council requests that the Events Team undertakes a feasibility study into the organisation of criterium cycle racing events in Johnstone town centre as part of their annual calendar, utilising funding for this from a variety of sources including, but not exclusive to, Scottish Cycling, One Ren, and business sponsorship. Council notes the success of various criterium events across the UK, and believes that in developing such an event in Johnstone it should be predicated on liaison with the Johnstone Business Consortium, Johnstone Community Council, and Johnstone Sounds to make it as community-based as possible. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11.00 am and reconvened at 11.15 am. 10 Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Grady and McMillan and Notice of Motion 8 by Councillors Shaw and Hughes There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Grady and McMillan in the following terms:
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"Promotion of Renfrew Football Club Renfrewshire Council warmly congratulates Renfrew Football Club on their recent and well-deserved promotion to the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division following an excellent season. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by the players, management and all the staff and volunteers at the club. Council agrees to write to Renfrew Football Club to offer its congratulations and wishes the club continued success in the Premier Division." Councillor Grady, seconded by Councillor McMillan then moved the motion. There was also submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Shaw and Hughes in the following terms: "Renfrew FC Promotion to the WOSFL Premier League Council congratulates Renfrew Football Club on securing promotion to the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division for the 2025/26 season and wishes them all the very best for the new season when it comes. This significant achievement marks an important milestone in the club’s proud history and is a testament to the commitment, talent, and perseverance of the players, management team, committee members, volunteers, and loyal supporters. Renfrew FC continues to be a cornerstone of the local community, providing opportunities for participation in football at all levels and fostering a strong sense of identity and civic pride in the town. Their promotion reflects positively not only on the club but on Renfrew as a whole." Councillor Shaw, seconded by Councillor Hughes, then moved the motion. Councillors Grady and McMillan and Councillors Shaw and Hughes, being the movers and seconders of Notices of Motion 4 and 8 respectively, agreed in terms of Standing Order 27 that both motions be combined. The motions as combined, were agreed unanimously. DECIDED: Promotion of Renfrew Football Club Renfrewshire Council warmly congratulates Renfrew Football Club on their recent and well-deserved promotion to the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division following an excellent season. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by the players, management and all the staff and volunteers at the club. Council agrees to write to Renfrew Football Club to offer its congratulations and wishes the club continued success in the Premier Division. Council congratulates Renfrew Football Club on securing promotion to the West of
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Scotland Football League Premier Division for the 2025/26 season and wishes them all the very best for the new season when it comes. This significant achievement marks an important milestone in the club’s proud history and is a testament to the commitment, talent, and perseverance of the players, management team, committee members, volunteers, and loyal supporters. Renfrew FC continues to be a cornerstone of the local community, providing opportunities for participation in football at all levels and fostering a strong sense of identity and civic pride in the town. Their promotion reflects positively not only on the club but on Renfrew as a whole. 11 Notice of Motion 5 by Councillors Clark and Smith There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Clark and Smith in the following terms: "Gratitude to Tony Lawler As he stands down from the role, Renfrewshire Council wishes to express their gratitude to Tony Lawler for 33 years of public service in leading the Sma’ Shot parade by banging the Charleston Drum. In addition, to thank him for his many years of promoting both the history and contemporary relevance of this key event as it celebrates workers’ rights by reflecting on the victory of the weavers over their employers in 19th century Paisley." Councillor Clark, seconded by Councillor Smith, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: Gratitude to Tony Lawler As he stands down from the role, Renfrewshire Council wishes to express their gratitude to Tony Lawler for 33 years of public service in leading the Sma' Shot parade by banging the Charleston Drum. In addition, to thank him for his many years of promoting both the history and contemporary relevance of this key event as it celebrates workers rights by reflecting on the victory of the weavers over their employers in 19th century Paisley. 12 Notice of Motion 6 by Councillors McMillan and Ann-Dowling There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McMillan and Ann-Dowling in the following terms: "Council wishes to express its concern on the current financial situation facing Renfrewshire IJB. Council notes that the underfunding from the SNP government has put local health services in a perilous situation." Councillor McMillan, seconded by Councillor Ann-Dowling, then moved the motion.
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Councillor Adam, seconded by Councillor J Cameron, moved as a first amendment that: "Council agrees that the challenges facing Renfrewshire IJB and all IJB’s are a concern and notes our recent cross-party decision to write to the Scottish Government for a systematic review of how the IJB’s are funded. While IJB funding has increased, this has been outstripped by increased demand, pay pressures, prescribing costs, inflation, and the increase in employer’s national insurance contributions. The latter affecting not only the IJB but care providers and voluntary sector organisations." Councillor J MacLaren, seconded by Councillor McGonigle, moved a second amendment as an addition that: "The New Surgery in Kilmacolm has made a request to Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board and Inverclyde HSCP to close their branch surgery and attached dispensary in Langbank. Currently all GP practices which cover Langbank are all based within Inverclyde HSCP. There are currently no GP practices within Renfrewshire HSCP that cover Langbank. Renfrewshire Council calls upon the NHSGG&C to maintain GP services for the village of Langbank, which is in the Renfrewshire Council area, and to continue to keep open a GP surgery in the village." Councillor McCulloch, seconded by Councillor Smith, moved a third amendment as an addition that: "Renfrewshire Council calls upon NHS GG&C to work with HSCPs in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde to move Langbank into Renfrewshire HSCP and to preserve GP services in Langbank." In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors McMillan and Ann-Dowling, being the mover and seconder the motion, accepted the third amendment as an addition. In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Adam and J Cameron, being the mover and seconder of the first amendment, accepted the second amendment as an addition. On the roll being called between the motion as amended and the first amendment as amended, the following members voted for the first amendment: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, N Graham, Hannigan, Hughes, Leishman, MacFarlane, J MacLaren, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGonigle, McGuire, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel. The following members voted for the motion as amended: Councillors Ann-Dowling, Clark, Davidson, Devine, Gilmour, Grady, G Graham, Hood, McCulloch, McDonald, McMillan, Montgomery, Mullin and Smith. 27 members having voted for the first amendment as amended and 14 members having voted for the motion as amended, the amendment as amended was accordingly declared carried.
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DECIDED: Council agrees that the challenges facing Renfrewshire IJB and all IJB’s are a concern and notes our recent cross-party decision to write to the Scottish Government for a systematic review of how the IJB’s are funded. While IJB funding has increased, this has been outstripped by increased demand, pay pressures, prescribing costs, inflation, and the increase in employer’s national insurance contributions. The latter affecting not only the IJB but care providers and voluntary sector organisations. The New Surgery in Kilmacolm has made a request to Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board and Inverclyde HSCP to close their branch surgery and attached dispensary in Langbank. Currently all GP practices which cover Langbank are all based within Inverclyde HSCP. There are currently no GP practices within Renfrewshire HSCP that cover Langbank. Renfrewshire Council calls upon the NHSGG&C to maintain GP services for the village of Langbank, which is in the Renfrewshire Council area, and to continue to keep open a GP surgery in the village. Declaration of Interest Having previously declared an interest Councillor Hughes left the meeting prior to consideration of the following item of business. 13 Notice of Motion 7 by Councillors Paterson and Shaw There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Paterson and Shaw in the following terms: "70th Anniversary of Medical Ultrasound Innovation in Renfrew Renfrewshire Council recognises the historic role of the former Babcock & Wilcox site in Renfrew in the development of medical ultrasound. On 21 July 1955, Professor Ian Donald of the University of Glasgow conducted a pioneering experiment at the site using industrial ultrasound equipment to distinguish between cysts and tumours — a breakthrough that laid the foundation for modern diagnostic imaging. Council welcomes plans by Altrad Babcock, Westway, and Novosound to mark the 70th anniversary, and will work with stakeholders to install a commemorative plaque at the original site, celebrating Renfrew’s contribution to global medical innovation." Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor Shaw, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: 70th Anniversary of Medical Ultrasound Innovation in Renfrew
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Renfrewshire Council recognises the historic role of the former Babcock & Wilcox site in Renfrew in the development of medical ultrasound. On 21 July 1955, Professor Ian Donald of the University of Glasgow conducted a pioneering experiment at the site using industrial ultrasound equipment to distinguish between cysts and tumours — a breakthrough that laid the foundation for modern diagnostic imaging. Council welcomes plans by Altrad Babcock, Westway, and Novosound to mark the 70th anniversary, and will work with stakeholders to install a commemorative plaque at the original site, celebrating Renfrew’s contribution to global medical innovation.