Agenda Document Pack - Economy and Regeneration Policy Board - 17/03/2026
Renfrewshire Council · 17 March 2026
Back to Economy and Regeneration Policy Board — 17 March 2026 and its agenda
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10/03/2026 Notice of Meeting and Agenda Economy and Regeneration Policy Board Date Time Venue Tuesday, 17 March 2026 10:00 Council Chambers (Renfrewshire), Council Headquarters, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1AN Membership Councillor Andy Steel (Convener): Councillor Michelle Campbell (Depute Convener): Councillor Alison Ann-Dowling: Councillor Stephen Burns: Councillor Graeme Clark: Councillor Andy Doig: Councillor Neill Graham: Councillor Robert Innes: Councillor Janis McDonald: Councillor Marie McGurk: Councillor Iain McMillan: Councillor John McNaughtan: Councillor Sam Mullin: Councillor Iain Nicolson: Councillor Jim Paterson: Further Information This is a meeting which is open to members of the public. A copy of the agenda and reports for this meeting will be available for inspection prior to the meeting at the Customer Service Centre, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley and online at http://renfrewshire.cmis.uk.com/renfrewshire/CouncilandBoards.aspx For further information, please email democratic-services@renfrewshire.gov.uk Members of the Press and Public Members of the press and public wishing to attend the meeting should report to the customer service centre where they will be met and directed to the meeting. Hybrid Meeting Please note that this meeting is scheduled to be held in the Council Chambers. However, it is a hybrid meeting and arrangements have been made for members to join the meeting remotely should they wish. MARK CONAGHAN Head of Corporate Governance
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10/03/2026 Webcasting of Meeting This meeting will be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site – at the start of the meeting the Convener will confirm if all or part of the meeting is being filmed. To find the webcast please navigate to https://renfrewshire.public-i.tv/core/portal/home
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10/03/2026 Items of business Apologies Apologies from members. Declarations of Interest and Transparency Statements Members are asked to declare an interest or make a transparency statement in any item(s) on the agenda and to provide a brief explanation of the nature of the interest or the transparency statement. 1 Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring 2025/26 as at 9 January 2026 Joint report by Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Resources. 1 - 8 2 Local Growth Fund Report by Chief Executive. 9 - 14 3 Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill Report by Chief Executive. 15 - 18 4 Steeple Buildings Kilbarchan – Update Report by Chief Executive. 19 - 24 5 Historic Graveyards - Tourism Update Report by Chief Executive. 25 - 38 6 Historic Buildings in Villages Grants Scheme - Update Report by Chief Executive. 39 - 44 7 Paisley Centre Redevelopment Verbal update.
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PUBLIC ___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 17 March 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Resources ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring 2025/26 as at 9 January 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 At the close of reporting Period 10 on 9 January 2026, the projected revenue outturn at 31 March 2026 for those services reporting to the Economy and Regeneration Policy Board was an underspend position of £0.067m (2.1%) against the revised budget for the year. 1.2 The projected capital outturn at 31 March 2026 for projects reporting to the Economy and Regeneration Policy Board is a break even position. 1.3 This is summarised in the table below and further analysis is provided in the report and appendices. Revised Annual Budget £000 Projected Outturn £000 Budget Variance (Adv)/Fav £000 Budget Variance % Revenue Economy and Development 3,171 3,104 67 2.1% Capital Economy and Development 16,982 16,982 0 0.0% 2. Recommendations 2.1 Members are requested to: a) Note the projected Revenue outturn underspend position of £0.067m; and b) Note the projected Capital outturn break-even position. Item 1 EAR170326 Page 1 of 44
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PUBLIC 3. Revenue Budget Projection – underspend of £0.067m by 31 March 2026 3.1 The tables in Appendix 1 present the projected year-end position for all services reporting to this board, by both subjective analysis (what the budget is spent on) and objective analysis (which division is spending the budget). Significant variances affecting the projected position are analysed further below. 3.2 It should be noted that the projected outturn position reported here is based on the latest information available, which is subject to change during the financial year. 4. Objective Analysis – Significant Variances 4.1 There are no significant objective analysis variances to report to Board. 5. Subjective Analysis – Significant Variances 5.1 There are no significant subjective analysis variances to report to Board. 6. Revenue Budget Virements 6.1. Under the Council’s financial regulations, Directors and their nominated officers, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Resources, have certain delegated authority to transfer sums between subjective budget headings within a service division to enable budget management throughout the financial year. This is known as ‘budget virement’. 6.2. Transfers between divisions of the same service / department in excess of £100,000, and transfers between services / departments must be authorised by the respective service Director/Chief Executive and the Director of Finance and Resources for submission to the relevant policy board for approval. There are no such requests this period. 7. Capital Budget Projection – break even position by 31 March 2026 7.1 The approved Capital Investment Programme 2025/26 to 2029/30 for Economy and Regeneration was £18.450m. The revised capital spend for 2025/26 is £16.982m. 7.2 The in-year Capital budget is forecast to break even by 31 March 2026 after a number of budget adjustments between years have taken place, to reflect revised programming of some capital projects. Details of these adjustments, which amount to (£1.468m) are as follows: Page 2 of 44
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PUBLIC Project Amount (£m) Budget reclassified (capital to revenue) Candren Burn Restoration (E&R Board 26 August) (0.100) Budget increases in 2025/26 Town Centre Regeneration (Council Motion) 0.050 Oakshaw Public Realm Works (Council Motion) 0.050 Budget carried forward into 2026/27 Place Based Investment Fund (0.535) Town Centre Capital Fund (0.105) Town Centre Regeneration (0.100) Retail Improvement Scheme (0.067) Oakshaw Public Realm Works (0.068) Ferguslie Belltrees (0.550) Newton Road Playing Field (0.043) Total (1.468) Implications of the Report 1. Financial The projected budget outturn position for Finance, Resources and Customer Services’ Revenue budget is an underspend of £0.067m (2.1%) at 31 March 2026. Income and expenditure will continue to be monitored closely for the rest of the financial year and as far as possible, steps will be taken to mitigate any overspend. The projected outturn position for the Economy and Regeneration Capital budget is break-even, after the adjustments outlined at section 7. 2. HR & Organisational Development While staffing budgets form a significant proportion of the Council’s revenue budgets, there are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 3. Community/Council Planning Community Plan Our Renfrewshire is thriving The Council’s revenue and capital spend ensures that its facilities are fit for purpose and safe for the community, to maximise accessibility. Our Renfrewshire is well Our Renfrewshire is fair Our Renfrewshire is safe Page 3 of 44
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PUBLIC Council Plan Reshaping our place, our economy and our future The Council’s revenue and capital spend ensures that its facilities are fit for purpose and safe for the community, to maximise accessibility. Building strong, safe and resilient communities Tackling inequality, ensuring opportunities for all Creating a sustainable Renfrewshire for all to enjoy Ongoing revenue and capital budget monitoring is a tool to enable good financial management so that the Council has resources now and in the future for continued service delivery. Working together to improve outcomes 4. Legal There are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 5. Property/Assets The capital expenditure noted in this report will result in improvements to Culture and Heritage assets and delivery of strategic place-shaping and regeneration. 6. Information Technology There are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 7. Equality & Human Rights While new areas of spend may impact on particular groups, any such impact would be assessed prior to the spend being incurred, therefore there are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 8. Health & Safety There are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 9. Procurement While Procurement is an important consideration prior to the Council incurring any revenue or capital spend, there are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. Page 4 of 44
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PUBLIC 10. Risk The potential financial risk that the Council will overspend its approved revenue budgets for the year is managed at a Council-wide level by the Chief Executive and Directors. 11. Privacy Impact There are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 12. Cosla Policy Position N/a 13. Climate Change The Council aims to reduce its carbon and other emissions to net zero by 2030, however there are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 14. Children’s Rights There are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. List of Background Papers • Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2025/26, Council 27 February 2025 • The Capital Investment Programme 2025/26 to 2029/30, Council 27 February 2025 Author: Valerie Howie, Finance Business Partner; and Linsey McGregor, Capital Accountant. Page 5 of 44
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PUBLIC Appendix 1 RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL REVENUE BUDGET MONITORING STATEMENT 2025/26 1 April 2025 to 9 January 2026 POLICY BOARD: ECONOMY AND REGENERATION Objective Summary Approved Annual Budget Budget Adjustments Revised Annual Budget at Period 3 Projected Outturn Budget Variance (Adverse) or Favourable Previous Projected Outturn Variance Movement £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 % £000 £000 Economy and Regeneration Management 113 0 113 112 1 0.9% 1 0 Economic Development 1,277 0 1,277 1,277 0 0.0% 0 0 Regeneration 1,778 3 1,781 1,715 66 3.7% 56 10 NET EXPENDITURE 3,168 3 3,171 3,104 67 2.1% 57 10 Subjective Summary Approved Annual Budget Budget Adjustments Revised Annual Budget at Period 3 Projected Outturn Budget Variance (Adverse) or Favourable Previous Projected Outturn Variance Movement £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 % £000 £000 Employees 4,881 0 4,881 4,815 66 1.4% 58 8 Premises Related 57 3 60 59 1 1.7% 0 1 Transport Related 3 0 3 3 0 0.0% (1) 1 Supplies and Services 82 0 82 81 1 1.2% 1 0 Third Party Payments 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 Transfer Payments 1,606 0 1,606 1,607 (1) (0.1%) (1) 0 Support Services 26 0 26 26 0 0.0% 0 0 Depreciation and Impairment Losses 630 0 630 630 0 0.0% 0 0 GROSS EXPENDITURE 7,285 3 7,288 7,221 67 0.9% 57 10 Income (4,117) 0 (4,117) (4,117) 0 0.0% 0 0 NET EXPENDITURE 3,168 3 3,171 3,104 67 2.1% 57 10 Page 6 of 44
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PUBLIC Appendix 2 Prior Years Approved Budget Revised Projected Expenditure Budget Adjustments Budget Outturn Total Approved Projected Project Title to 31/03/2025 2025-26 since previous 2025-26 2025-26 Budget Outurn Board report to 31-Mar-30 to 31-Mar-30 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT Paisley Museum 50,420 13,861 0 13,861 13,861 0 0% 68,641 68,641 0 0% Place Based Investment Fund 2,150 1,107 (535) 572 572 0 0% 3,980 3,980 0 0% Town Centre Capital Fund 771 105 (105) 0 0 0 0% 876 876 0 0% Town Centre Regeneration 105 145 (50) 95 95 0 0% 2,600 2,600 0 0% Retail Improvement Scheme 13 107 (67) 40 40 0 0% 120 120 0 0% Shared Prosperity Fund 0 482 0 482 482 0 0% 482 482 0 0% West Tandlemuir 179 61 0 61 61 0 0% 240 240 0 0% Oakshaw Public Realm Works 0 30 (18) 12 12 0 0% 80 80 0 0% Ferguslie Belltrees 0 650 (550) 100 100 0 0% 650 650 0 0% Newton Road Playing Field 0 100 (43) 57 57 0 0% 100 100 0 0% Castle Semple Visitor Centre Improvements 0 240 0 240 240 0 0% 240 240 0 0% Candren Burn Restoration 0 100 (100) 0 0 0 0% 0 0 0 0% Paisley Art Centre Redevelopment 3,730 20 0 20 20 0 0% 3,750 3,750 0 0% Paisley Town Hall Redevelopment 25,034 231 0 231 231 0 0% 25,265 25,265 0 0% Paisley Learning & Cultural Hub 6,716 284 0 284 284 0 0% 7,000 7,000 0 0% Paisley Junctions and Charging Hub 763 209 0 209 209 0 0% 972 972 0 0% Sports Development - St James Playing Fields Redevelopment 3,111 388 0 388 388 0 0% 3,500 3,500 0 0% Sports Development - Ferguslie Pavillion Upgrade 719 273 0 273 273 0 0% 992 992 0 0% Sports Development - Hockey Pitch at On-X 557 43 0 43 43 0 0% 600 600 0 0% Townscape Heritage CARS 2 4,085 14 0 14 14 0 0% 4,099 4,099 0 0% Total Economy & Development 98,353 18,450 (1,468) 16,982 16,982 0 0% 124,187 124,187 0 0% TOTAL ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT 98,353 18,450 (1,468) 16,982 16,982 0 0% 124,187 124,187 0 0% RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL CAPITAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY - NON-HOUSING SERVICES 1st April to 9th January 2026 POLICY BOARD: ECONOMY & REGENERATION Current Year 2025-26 Full Programme - All years Budget Variance (Adverse) or Favourable Budget Variance (Adverse) or Favourable Page 7 of 44
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OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE ___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Board On: 17 March 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Local Growth Fund ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 This report provides an update on the recently announced Local Growth Fund which was highlighted in the January 2026 Board paper “New UK Funds - Transition from UK Shared Prosperity Fund”. 1.2 The report provides an outline of the agreed funding to Renfrewshire for 2026- 27 and also confirms the savings and additional financial support required through Invest In Renfrewshire to mitigate the cut in funds from the previous UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocations. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 Board members are asked to: a) Note the proposed allocation of revenue funds (Local Growth Fund) to Renfrewshire Council for 2026-27 from the GCR allocation b) Note the expectation that this will be the only year where revenue funds are allocated to local authorities and that in future years Local Growth Fund will be held at the Regional Level, c) Note that capital funds (Local Growth Fund) will be held at GCR level with further guidance pending, d) Note the reduction in funds from the previous UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocations, and e) agree to the additional funding being provided through Invest in Renfrewshire. Item 2 EAR170326 Page 9 of 44
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OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE ___________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is now in its final year (closing March 2026) and the UK Government is replacing and consolidating UKSPF and other levelling-up streams into a set of new funds — most notably a Local Growth Fund (announced on 8th January 2026 for Scotland) and place- focused programmes Pride in Place (PIP), Pride in Place Impact Fund (PIPIF) and Growth Mission Fund. These fund were all outlined at the previous (January) Economy and Regeneration Board. 3.2 The Local Growth Fund (LGF) for Scotland was announced on 8th January 2026. It is intended to begin in April 2026 and run for 3 years. 3.3 In a change from previous programmes, the Local Growth Fund allocations have been determined at a Regional Economic Partnership (REP) level, rather than individual Local Authority level. 3.4 Another key change is that the programme is heavily weighted towards capital (70%), rather than revenue (30%), spend. 3.5 Table 1 provides a summary of both the allocations for Scotland as a whole and Glasgow City Region specifically. Table 1. Scottish and GCR NLGF three-year allocations ___________________________________________________________________ 4. New Local Growth Fund – Policy Intent 4.1 On announcing the Local Growth Fund (LGF), UKG stated the programme will “fund regional projects which will drive economic growth. That might mean projects like infrastructure investment, business support, or skills development - projects which will make a real difference in terms of skilled jobs and people’s prosperity”. 4.2 While the Scottish LGF guidance is still awaited UKG have indicated it will follow a similar framework to the English guidance. The high-level logic model for Local Growth Fund, noted in Figure 1, provides the parameters for the programme; Revenue Funding Capital Funding Total Funding 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 Scotland £15,800,000 £15,500,000 £11,000,000 £36,300,000 £33,900,000 £27,400,000 £52,100,000 £49,400,000 £38,400,000 GCR £6,900,000 £6,700,000 £4,800,000 £15,800,000 £14,800,000 £11,900,000 £22,700,000 £21,500,000 £16,700,000 Page 10 of 44
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OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE Figure 1: LGF Logic Model 4.3 UKG have made clear the new LGF has a different policy focus from previous UKG funding and that ‘core revenue’ economic development activity should not be directly funded by UKG. However, following significant pressure from GCR and local authorities, they have indicated that given the reliance on UKSPF to support local authority funded activity, a ‘transition’ year would be considered, to provide some continuity of budget. This transition year allows an effective plus one year with each Member Authority receiving an allocation of the 26/27 revenue budget to allow some continuity of provision. 4.4 It should be noted that, even with individual allocations to Member Authorities, this is a very significant reduction in revenue funding for all of the city region’s member authorities. 4.5 Although the full guidance won’t be available until March 2026, UKG have confirmed that REPs are required to develop a ‘Credible Plan’ outlining proposed delivery over the 3-year funding period. This Credible Plan process will follow a similar approach taken for the original UKSPF Investment Plan in 2022 and agreed by GCR Cabinet. 4.6 While the capital funds remain at regional level, it was proposed that the UKSPF +1 year (2025/26) allocation methodology should be used to allocate the Revenue budget for 2026/27 to individual LAs. This approach will then enable individual MAs to plan for revenue funding in 2026/27, helping to support established business support and skills (employability) interventions. 4.7 Table 2 below provides a summary of the proposed revenue allocation to individual MAs for 2026/27. 2026/27 Proportion E. Dunbartonshire £269,100 3.90% E. Renfrewshire £255,300 3.70% Glasgow City £2,773,800 40.20% Page 11 of 44
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OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE Inverclyde £365,700 5.30% N. Lanarkshire £1,414,500 20.50% Renfrewshire £483,000 7% S. Lanarkshire £938,400 13.60% W. Dunbartonshire £400,200 5.80% Total £6,900,000 100% Table 2: LGF 2026/27 Proposed Allocation, based on 2025/26 methodology 4.8 For the capital allocation, UKG have emphasised the requirement for regional activity at scale and of impact, particularly where the intermediate outcomes are considered: • Increased development-ready land and sites • Increased housing supply • Improved utilities and energy upgrades • Increased physical connectivity • Increased digital connectivity UKG has confirmed in writing to the GCR PMO that ‘The entire LGF Capital funding allocation will need to be focussed on delivering regional outcomes’ and we await further clarity on what this will mean in practice. 4.9 With this guidance, it is proposed that the GCR PMO work with the Economic Delivery Group to develop an approach, for regional projects of scale, for consideration by Chief Executives’ Group and GCR Cabinet in due course. ___________________________________________________________________ 5. Service Implications of Revenue Funding Reductions 5.1 UKSPF 2025-26 currently represents around 20% (£1M) of the Council’s total employability funding and approximately 50% (£0.5M) of business development funding, financing a substantial number of staff posts and contracted third- sector services and supporting around 2,000 unemployed clients and 800 local businesses each year. 5.2 The revenue budget this past year (2025/26) of £1.5M is around £0.85M less than the previous year (24/25) and the year ahead (26/27) has now been proposed as £0.487M, a further drop of just over £1M. 5.3 While the financial changes are substantial, the Council’s economic development service is accustomed to significant funding disruptions with large swings in funding, financial uncertainty, late announcements of funding and very retrospective payment processes having been the norm for the last 15 years. Page 12 of 44
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OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE 5.4 As previously acknowledged, the Invest in Renfrewshire Programme Budget was established in 2011 to allow such issues to be managed strategically and effectively without putting a strain on council finances or having to make quick decisions over loss of funding, disruption to services and staff redundancies. 5.5 As such, while the further drop in UK SPF funding is a blow, especially following a 44% cut to that budget in the current year, plans were already in place to mitigate future funding disruptions and to safeguard services. 5.6 A number of cuts have already been made this year to cope with the reduced funds but more are now planned for the year ahead. This includes: • Moving the business team from 27 High St, Paisley (INCUBE) to locate to the Russell Institute (renting space back from SDS) with a saving on property costs. • Reducing business grants and consolidating the grants to still allow flexibility to support businesses with real growth potential and who require our support. • A reduction to LEP employability commissioning budget (final figures can’t be confirmed until SG budgets are finalised). • Reductions across a number of client funds, traineeship budgets and wage support to ensure further savings. • While there are no planned redundancies any vacancies throughout the year will be carefully considered and only filled when essential. 5.7 It is proposed that the Invest in Renfrewshire budget will contribute an additional £0.5M this year to help mitigate the loss of funds and to retain core essential employability and business services. ___________________________________________________________________ 6. Conclusions and Further Action 6.1 The Invest in Renfrewshire budget provides the opportunity for the service to have a multi-annual financial plan and to manage funding peaks and troughs. When a reduction (or increase) in funding is announced the services are realigned, savings are made, and external funding is prioritised to ensure that the Invest safety net of having a long term financial plan is not compromised. At the moment, even with the increased support required, there is funding to ensure a minimum five year plan for the service. 6.2 Officers will continue to work with the Glasgow City Region team to develop the three year “Credible Plan” to be submitted to UKG. 6.3 Further reports will come back to board on any developments and, in particular, to outline the future plan for the LGF capital funds that remain at the regional level. _________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – No additional funding is sought. All funding is accounted for within existing Council budgets and external funding. Page 13 of 44
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OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE 2. HR & Organisational Development –funding secures the continuation of staff posts 3. Community/Council Planning –none 4. Legal – None. UK SPF and LGF is routed through the Glasgow City Region and formal relationships are established with them. 5. Property/Assets – the report outlines the Councils intended move from 27 High Street from 31st March 2026 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights - The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None. 10. Risk – None. 11. Privacy Impact - None. 12. Children’s Rights - None 13. COSLA Policy Position – Not Applicable. 14. Climate Risk – Not Applicable. __________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers • “New UK Funds - Transition from UK Shared Prosperity Fund” Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, January 2026, __________________________________________________________________ Author: Ruth Cooper, Economic Development Manager; Email: ruth.cooper@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 14 of 44
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PUBLIC ___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 17th March 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill 1. Summary 1.1 The Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill has now completed all parliamentary stages and has been passed by the Scottish Parliament. This marks a significant milestone in progressing the Scottish Government’s commitment to embedding Community Wealth Building (CWB) as a statutory driver of local economic development. 1.2 This paper provides an update for elected members on the key provisions of the Bill as passed, what the Bill means in practice, the steps that will follow, and how it links to ongoing work across Renfrewshire to support good jobs, stronger local businesses and more investment in our communities. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 Board members are asked to: • Note that the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill has been passed by Parliament and will shortly proceed to Royal Assent. • Note the key duties that will apply to local authorities and CWB anchor partner organisations once the legislation comes into force. ___________________________________________________________________ Item 3 EAR170326 Page 15 of 44
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PUBLIC 3. Background 3.1 The Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill was introduced on 20 March 2025 and is part of the Programme for Government commitment to create a consistent, place-based framework for local and regional economic transformation. The Bill has now been formally passed by the Scottish Parliament and awaits Royal Assent; the full documentation can be found on this link: Bill as passed 3.2 The Bill places new duties on local authorities and relevant public bodies to work together as a Community Wealth Building Partnership to prepare and deliver a shared local action plan for the area focused on supporting local jobs, local business growth and community-led development. 3.3 This approach aligns strongly with Renfrewshire’s long-standing commitment to building a resilient and inclusive local economy. It builds on established partnerships working across the area - bringing together businesses, colleges, the health board and community organisations. 3.4 Following Royal Assent, the legislation will become the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Act 2026. ___________________________________________________________________ 4. Overview of the Bill as Passed 4.1 Scottish Ministers must publish a national CWB Statement within 18 months of the legislation coming into force. This will set out practical actions government will take to help reduce inequality, support sustainable and inclusive economic growth and retain more wealth locally The measures will include a focus on: i. local procurement ii. employment, skills and fair work iii. supporting local businesses, co-operatives and social enterprises iv. encouraging community ownership of assets v. promoting local investment 4.2 Each local authority, working jointly with specified public bodies, must: • prepare a CWB Action Plan within 3 years of commencement of the Act • publish the plan and report on implementation every 5 years • include local indicators and produce an indicative target for local procurement spend • consult widely with communities, businesses and third sector organisations • implement the plan “so far as reasonably practicable”; Page 16 of 44
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PUBLIC 4.3 Relevant public bodies include health boards, colleges, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, regional transport partnerships and others as set out in the legislation. 4.4 The Scottish Government will produce national guidance to support the implementation and delivery of the Bill. This will explain how CWB anchor partnerships should approach planning, reporting and collaboration at a local level. 4.5 The Bill aligns strongly with ongoing economic development work to grow the local economy, support fair work, strengthen supply chains and help local businesses thrive. 4.6 With a CWB Coordinator already in post and strong partnerships across anchor institutions, businesses and the third sector, Renfrewshire Council is well placed to meet the Bill’s duties and develop a robust CWB Action Plan that ensures every public pound will benefit local people, communities and businesses. ___________________________________________________________________ 5. Expected Next Steps 5.1 The Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill will proceed to Royal Assent within 6–8 weeks, at which point commencement regulations will follow. 5.2 Following Royal Assent, the Scottish Government will publish: • a Ministerial Community Wealth Building Statement, setting out expectations for each CWB Partnership • statutory guidance covering the scope, structure and required content of Renfrewshire’s CWB Action Plan 5.3 Further reports will be brought to this Board as soon as the national statement and guidance are published. ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – The Bill identifies that some funding will be made available to support the new duties. 2. HR & Organisational Development – There are no implications 3. Community/Council Planning – Strong alignment with existing priorities across the Council Plan, Procurement Strategy, National Planning Framework (NPF4) and CLD Plan. 4. Legal- Statutory duty to publish a CWB Action Plan within 3 years of the commencement of Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Act 2026. Page 17 of 44
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PUBLIC 5. Property/Assets- Measures to be set out in the Bill may include; diversifying ownership of land, energy or other assets by facilitating or supporting community ownership, and bringing vacant and derelict land back into use in a way that provides financial, social or environmental benefit to the community. 6. Information Technology – There are no implications 7. Equality & Human Rights- There are no implications 8. Health & Safety- There are no implications 9. Procurement - The community wealth building action plan for Renfrewshire must set an indicative target for the percentage of the total expenditure incurred pursuant to public contracts entered into by the community wealth building partners which is to go to local economic operators. 10. Risk- There are no implications 11. Privacy Impact- There are no implications 12. Climate Risk – There are no implications 13. Children’s Rights – There are no implications 14. COSLA Policy Position- COSLA strongly supports the concept of Community Wealth Building (CWB), advocating for its implementation across Scotland through legislation and collaborative efforts with local authorities, businesses, third sector organisations, and communities to ensure wealth generated within communities is redistributed and benefits local residents; essentially seeing local government as a key "anchor institution" to drive CWB initiatives. _________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers • “Renfrewshire Council Community Benefits (Community Wealth Building)Economy and Regeneration Board, 26th August 2025 • “Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill”; Economy and Regeneration Board, 20th May 2025, • “Community Wealth Building in Renfrewshire”, Economy and Regeneration Board, 25th March 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Authors: Morag Doig, Community Wealth Building Coordinator, Renfrewshire Council email: morag.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk Ruth Cooper, Economic Development Manager, Renfrewshire Council Email: ruth.cooper@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 18 of 44
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PUBLIC ___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 17 March 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ____________________________________________________________ Heading: Steeple Buildings Kilbarchan - Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide members with an update on the proposed refurbishment and potential reuse of the Steeple Buildings in Kilbarchan. It offers an update on recently completed essential repairs and progress on a further phase of repairs to allow the building to be brought back into use. _________________________________________________________________ 2 Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: (i) Notes the contents of this update report (ii) Authorises the Head of Economy and Development to progress with the procurement of the Phase 2 repairs programme if sufficient funding can be secured. _________________________________________________________ 3 Background 3.1 The 18th-century Steeple Buildings, located in Kilbarchan's Conservation Area and jointly owned by Renfrewshire Council and the Kilbarchan General Society (KGS), hold cultural significance as a Category A listed property and forms the centre of the village's annual Lilias Day celebrations. OneRen currently leases the building as a community hall, though it has remained closed since the Covid pandemic. While the building saw limited community use pre-pandemic, other Item 4 EAR170326 Page 19 of 44
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PUBLIC venues are available in Kilbarchan. Prior to 2025, repairs have been conducted by Renfrewshire Council as needed. The last major refurbishment took place in the 1950s. ___________________________________________________________________ 4 Current position 4.1 Reports to the Economy and Regeneration Board in January 2024 and November 2024 provided updates on Council motion (4 May 2023) and the allocation of £705,000 to support refurbishment. These reports highlight extensive stakeholder engagement, particularly with Kilbarchan Community Council (KCC). This led to the formation of the Friends of the Steeple sub- group, to support decision-making regarding the Steeple Buildings. 4.2 Updates on the findings of a detailed Options Appraisal were also provided, highlighting the preferred future use of the Steeple Buildings, including using the ground floor hall as licensed café/restaurant and maintaining the first floor as community hall for hire. 4.3 After reviewing the Options Appraisal, the sub-group confirmed its voluntary role in sustaining the Steeple Buildings and continues to operate as part of KCC. 4.4 Since 2024, officers have received several informal enquiries from third parties about potentially leasing the ground floor hall and kitchen, for use as a café/restaurant, once refurbishment works are complete. ___________________________________________________________________ 5 Repairs Programme 5.1 Based on costings from conservation specialists John Gilbert Architects’ 2023 condition survey, in January 2024 the Economy and Regeneration Board approved the implementation of a first phase of major repairs, valued at £310,000+VAT, prioritising “immediate” and “urgent” work on the roof, leadwork, and rainwater systems. 5.2 Conservation specialists MAST Architects were subsequently appointed in September 2024 to develop the programme for this first phase of major repairs. 5.3 Following more intrusive surveys in autumn 2024, MAST categorised additional internal works, to address dampness on the ground floor and improve the safety of services, as “immediate” and “urgent”. 5.4 In light of MAST’s reassessment of the internal condition of the building and after discussion with stakeholders, it was agreed that a meantime use for the building, following completion of Phase 1 repairs, was not a viable option. 5.5 Following a competitive tender process, Contract Authorisation for Steeple Buildings Phase 1 Repairs (RC-CPU-23-316) was granted at the June 2025 Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, with W H Kirkwood subsequently appointed to deliver Phase 1 repairs at a cost of £332,913.87 excluding VAT. Page 20 of 44
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PUBLIC 5.6 Phase 1 repairs were complete in February 2026 at a cost of c.£359,970 excluding VAT. Additional spend was required to complete necessary electrical works and rebuild (as opposed to simply repoint) two stone chimneys. With the additional chimney works needing scaffolding to remain in position longer and with pointing to the steeple structure found to be in worse condition than anticipated, it was decided to instruct repointing of stonework to the entire steeple structure while the scaffolding remained on site, rather than just at the highest levels. 5.7 The procurement process has been initiated with CPU to appoint a conservation architect to develop the detailed programme for Phase 2 repairs. While Phase 1 focused on making the building wind and watertight i.e. on external repairs to replace materials that had reached the end of their life and internal repairs to address damp issues, Phase 2 will focus on the repair and reconfiguration of the interior (including accessibility improvements) to enable the building to come back into public use. It is anticipated that this will include the installation of new toilets, a refurbished kitchen space and a lift. 5.8 At the start of Phase 1 repairs, the clock mechanism was removed and placed in safe storage. Repairs to the clock mechanism and its strike controller have been instructed prior to reinstallation, as has the repair of the structure from which the bell hangs. Repair of the structure will mean the bell no longer needs to be tied back for safety. ___________________________________________________________________ 6 Funding 6.1 Total expenditure to date on the Steeple Buildings, including preparatory surveys, professional fees, legal searches, and Phase 1 works is £434,083. 6.2 Of the original £705,000 budget, £270,917 remains. 6.3 The current estimated cost of Phase 2 works (including clock and bell repairs) is £420,913, giving a total cost for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of £854,996 and an estimated budget shortfall for Phase 2 of £149,996. It should be noted that repointing of the stonework of the main steeple building is currently excluded from Phase 2 repairs as it has been designated neither “urgent” nor “immediate”. 6.4 Officers are exploring funding options to address the Phase 2 budget shortfall. The Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme and the UK Government’s Local Growth Fund may be options, depending on the application process. Enquiries have also been made to Historic Environment Scotland (HES), however with additional external works having taken place as part of Phase 1 and Phase 2 focused on the interior, there are relatively few costs in Phase 2’s programme which would be considered grant eligible by HES. ___________________________________________________________________ Page 21 of 44
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PUBLIC 7 Next Steps 7.1 Officers are working with CPU on the tender process to appoint a conservation architect who will develop designs for Phase 2, support the tender process to appoint a main contractor (if funding can be secured) and oversee implementation of the works. 7.2 Officers will also investigate opportunities to secure funding and enable delivery of Phase 2 works. ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial - £705,000 has been allocated by Renfrewshire Council for the refurbishment of the Steeple Buildings. Additional funds will be required to deliver Phase 2 repairs which will enable the building to be brought back into use. 2. HR & Organisational Development - None 3. Community/Council Planning – • Our Renfrewshire is thriving – The project supports development which will protect and enhance the built heritage of Renfrewshire’s village centres, contributing to the creation of thriving places which support individuals, communities, and businesses. • Reshaping our place, our economy and our future – The project will help support the restoration and productive re-use of a landmark building in the centre of a Renfrewshire village, improving the built environment, helping to create job opportunities and contribute to economic growth. • Working together to improve outcomes - The project is working in partnership with local groups and organisations to achieve positive outcomes. 4. Legal – The Steeple Buildings are jointly owned with local charity, Kilbarchan General Society (who own a single room on the first floor). 5. Property/Assets - Property Services were Client Advisor for the Phase 1 repair programme 6. Information Technology - None 7. Equality & Human Rights - The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report because for example it is for noting only. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the Page 22 of 44
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PUBLIC recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. (Report author to arrange this). 8. Health & Safety – MAST Architects were Principal Designer for the Phase 1 repair programme. 9. Procurement – The appointment of a conservation architect and a main contractor for the Phase 2 repair programme will be managed by CPU. 10. Risk – Phase 1 repairs have stabilised the fabric of the building and Phase 2 repairs will bring the building back into a use which is sustainable. 11. Privacy Impact - None 12. Climate Risk – With cognisance of Historic Environment Scotland’s ‘A Guide to Climate Change Impacts: On Scotland’s Historic Environment, Our Place in Time, 2019’, the repair and maintenance of the Steeple Buildings will contribute to the restoration and repair of Renfrewshire’s historic fabric and will improve the performance of this property over time. 13. Children’s Rights - None 14. Cosla Policy Position – None ________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers (a) Steeple Buildings Kilbarchan – Update - Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, 23 January 2024 (b) Steeple Buildings Kilbarchan – Update - Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, 5 November 2024 (c) Contract Authorisation Report for Steeple Buildings Kilbarchan Phase 1 Repairs (RC-CPU-23-316) - Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board – 12 June 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Euan Shearer; Regeneration and Place Manager Email: euan.shearer@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 23 of 44
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PUBLIC ___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 17 March 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Historic Graveyards - Tourism Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The purpose of this report is to inform the Economy and Regeneration Board of progress made in respect of the Council motion of 28 April 2022 to review Renfrewshire’s historic graveyards and their future tourism potential. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: (i) Notes the work undertaken and progress to date. (ii) Agree to officers further exploring the potential of creating a digital and physical resource providing information on key historic graveyards in Renfrewshire. (iii) Notes that updates will be reported to the Board as appropriate. _________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The Council meeting of 28 April 2022 approved a motion in relation to "Renfrewshire’s Historic Graveyards”. The motion states:- That Council agrees officers should undertake a review of the historic graveyards within Renfrewshire, identifying ownership and maintenance requirements and report back with recommendations to enhance the valuable contribution these can make for tourism and future generations." 3.2 An update paper was brought to Board on 29 August 2023. This summarised initial findings of the tourism potential of graveyards and provided detail on Item 5 EAR170326 Page 25 of 44
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PUBLIC ownership and maintenance. The Board noted that officers would progress a further study to consider the feasibility of a historic graveyard trail. ___________________________________________________________________ 4 Historic Graveyards Study 4.1 A specialist consultant was appointed by the Council in spring 2025 to consider the feasibility of developing a trail exploring historic graveyards across Renfrewshire. The study (attached at appendix 1 to this report) was informed by engagement with local heritage organisations and key stakeholders. It provides an assessment of historic graveyards and lists those which are considered to be locally important. 4.2 Outcomes from stakeholder engagement supported initial officer research indicating that visitation to, and interest in, historic graveyards as part of Renfrewshire’s tourism proposition is currently low and would not form a primary driver of visits to the area. 4.3 The study highlights that historic graveyards offer a historic and cultural resource, as well as a valued place for reflection. Locally Important Graveyards 4.4 The study highlights some 20 sites which are considered to be locally important and which could form part of a trail or wider heritage resource. Sites were selected using a range of criteria including age, accessibility and participation, where sites lie in private ownership. The study highlights 11 sites within Paisley and 9 within wider Renfrewshire, as set out in the tables below. Table 1 - Graveyard Sites, Paisley Name Owner 1 Abbey Close Renfrewshire Council 2 Paisley Abbey Interior Paisley Abbey 3 Paisley Abbey Graveyard Renfrewshire Council 4 Laigh Kirk (Paisley Arts Centre) Renfrewshire Council 5 Oakshaw Trinity Church (Laigh Park) Renfrewshire Council 6 Holy Trinity (St James Street) Privately owned 7 Castlehead Church Privately owned 8 Martyr’s Parish Graveyard (Woodside) Privately owned 9 Woodside Privately owned 10 St Columba’s Cemetery (Hawkhead) Renfrewshire Council 11 Hawkhead Cemetery Renfrewshire Council Table 2 - Graveyard Sites, Wider Renfrewshire Name Owner 1 Renfrew Old Parish Church Renfrewshire Council 2 Inchinnan Parish Church/Old Parish Church Privately owned/Renfrewshire Council 3 Bishopton Parish Church (Erskine Graveyard) Renfrewshire Council Page 26 of 44
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PUBLIC 4 Houston Parish Church and Renfrewshire Council 5 Kilallan Kirk, Houston Kilallan Kirk Preservation Trust 6 Kilbarchan Old West Kirk Privately owned 7 Kilbarchan Parish Church (East) Renfrewshire Council 8 Johnstone High Church Renfrewshire Council 9 Lochwinnoch (Cemetery, ‘Auld Simon’, Collegiate Church) Renfrewshire Council, Historic Environment Scotland ___________________________________________________________________ 5 Next Steps 5.1 While outcomes from the study indicate that there is currently limited interaction with historic graveyards within Renfrewshire, there is an opportunity to highlight their historic and cultural importance as part of a local history and tourism offer. 5.2 The graveyards identified as those which are locally important are geographically diverse and as such development of a heritage trail is unlikely to be the most appropriate approach in this instance. An alternative is anticipated to be the creation of an information resource which highlights historic graveyards across Renfrewshire and which could be digitally available for local residents and visitors alike. 5.3 In this context, officers will undertake further research on the locally important sites identified within the study, with a view to developing information which would be available to view on the Council’s website and will scope out the feasibility of developing a physical information leaflet/booklet. Future Opportunities 5.4 In the medium to long term, there may also be opportunities to further develop available resources in relation to graveyards. These could include:- • Information on Commonwealth War Graves and other associated service personnel who were buried abroad, but mentioned on family memorials (noting that OneRen’s Heritage Centre receive regular enquiries, with graveyards listed under Commonwealth War Graves Commission of particular interest); • Information on village war memorials; • Information on the statues within the Council area. 5.5 Opportunities for further development of resources will be considered in partnership with local heritage organisations, key stakeholders and local community groups. ___________________________________________________________________ Page 27 of 44
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PUBLIC Implications of the Report 1. Financial – None. Officer resource for further research is contained within existing staff budgets. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None. 3. Community Planning – Our Renfrewshire is thriving – The project supports development which will enhance the heritage of Renfrewshire’s historic graveyards. 4. Legal – Unknown. 5. Property/Assets - None. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality and Human Rights - The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. 8. Health and Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None 10. Risks - None. 11. Privacy Impact – None. 12. Climate Risk - No identified impacts at present. 13. Children’s Rights - None 14. Cosla Policy Position - None ________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers (a) Historic Graveyards - Tourism Update - Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, 29 August 2023 ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Euan Shearer; Regeneration and Place Manager Email: euan.shearer@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 28 of 44
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1 PUBLIC Appendix 1 October 2025 Historic Graveyards Trail RC-RGN-24-05 For: Regeneration and Place Chief Executives Service Renfrewshire Council archaeologyIT trading as: The Urban Historian / Renfrewshire Heritage/ Renfrewshire Ancestors 36 Moorhouse Avenue Paisley PA2 9NX 07779296525 stephen@theurbanhistorian.co.uk Page 29 of 44
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2 PUBLIC Table of Contents 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3 2. Community and Stakeholder Engagement ..................................................................................... 4 3. Heritage Trail - Selection Criteria .................................................................................................... 6 4. Summary and Next Steps ................................................................................................................ 8 Page 30 of 44
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3 PUBLIC 1. Introduction 1.1 The Urban Historian was appointed by Renfrewshire Council in spring 2025 to consider the feasibility of developing a heritage trail exploring historic graveyards across Renfrewshire. This would assist in raising awareness of local heritage for both residents and visitors, contributing to the wider tourism offer within Renfrewshire. 1.2 This report summarises the outcomes of the study and sets out:- • Engagement with local heritage organisations and key stakeholders to gather the views of interested parties on the current use of graveyards and their association with them; • An assessment of historic graveyards, including their local history, condition, and accessibility; • A list of graveyards which could form part of a trail, informed by a range of criteria; • Next steps and other opportunities for research and development of heritage tourism related to historic graveyards. Page 31 of 44
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4 PUBLIC 2. Community and Stakeholder Engagement 2.1 To gauge current interactions with the historic graveyards within Renfrewshire churches, private owners and other key stakeholders were contacted. Information sought from engagement related to ownership, activity with the graveyard, number of visitors and any detail or documentation on the history of the graveyard. 2.2 In all thirteen bodies were contacted with responses received from three churches, one private owner and one preservation trust. Only one of the three churches indicated direct ties to a graveyard, this being the Laigh Kirk Graveyard (Arts Centre) and the West Relief/ Castlehead Church Graveyard. The church possess burial records for Castlehead including a lair register, a recent physical survey and record of every visible grave. 2.3 A second church were unaware of having had a graveyard, despite one headstone remaining on St James’ Street, Paisley and an extension of their building being constructed on top of the graveyard in the 1880s. The third church indicated they still owned the graveyard, though it is understood in the ownership of Renfrewshire Council. 2.4 Of the other two responders, one now owns the former church within the graveyard (Old Kirk, Kilbarchan) and the other is a preservation trust that owns the church and graveyard at Killallan, Houston. 2.5 None of the respondents were able to advise of visitor numbers and this is not monitored, but the majority of users appear to be dog walkers, with only a small number undertaking any form of research on family history, or simply exploring the graveyard. Use appears to be low, with Killallan for example suggesting less than 10 visitors a week. The owner of the Old Kirk in Kilbarchan indicated that regular visitors are seen and more family history research is undertaken here, with proximity of the National Trust for Scotland’s Weavers Cottage perhaps leading to more interested visitors exploring the older part of the village. 2.6 Outcomes from engagement have indicated that when we look at Renfrewshire’s Historic Graveyards we can see them in several ways: • A historic resource – they provide a window into the past through the information contained in the memorials about the lives of those buried ie, dates of birth and death, occupations, relationships and wider family. This information can be used by genealogists, family historians and historians who can use the information to help understand society at specific times and the way they lived. The graveyards are also a visual record of changes in time – as time moves on the design of the memorial changes and this can often be seen in sections of the graveyards that have been added or used at later dates. • A cultural resource – the graveyards show expressions of values, beliefs and traditions of a community. Within the graveyard the placement of memorials and the graves reflect the traditions of the community the people belonged to. This can be seen from earliest Page 32 of 44
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5 PUBLIC times with the chambered cairns in Scotland through to the early Christian burials at Whithorn in the 5th and 6th Centuries where pebbles were laid around the corpse, to the much later Viking age Hogback burial monuments to be seen at Govan Old Kirk, towards the simple 16th to 19th Century simple headstones and table stones that dominate the majority of heritage graveyards, to today’s modern memorials and gardens of remembrance for cremated remains. • A place of reflection – many visitors to graveyards visit to grieve or reflect on their ancestors’ lives, but they can also be a place to unplug from the noise of everyday life, even for a short while. A good example of this is the Howff cemetery in Dundee, described as “a tranquil escape from the bustling city, with benches and greenery for relaxation and reflection.”1 1 https://mindtrip.ai/attraction/dundee-scotland/howff/at-JxZSp6NK accessed 15th September 2025 Page 33 of 44
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6 PUBLIC 3. Heritage Trail - Selection Criteria 3.1 An exercise was undertaken to select graveyards for inclusion within a potential heritage trail. The key criteria considered were:- • Age – is the graveyard old enough for inclusion? • Accessibility – is the graveyard open and physically accessible to the public? • Participation – where in private ownership, are owners open to being included? 3.2 To be classed as historic we chose to work from graveyards that opened prior to 1890. Hawkhead opened in 1891 but was included due to the number of local war memorials and the likes of the Glen Cinema memorial. 3.3 Graveyards that are owned by Renfrewshire Council, but not accessible such as the Oakshaw East UP Church Graveyard were excluded due to locked gates and being overgrown. The same criteria were used for privately owned graveyards such as Oakshaw West UP Church and the former Castlehead Church graveyards. Both churches are now flats, and the graveyards are not accessible. 3.4 Although not accessible, Castlehead was included to illustrate important memorials such as that of Robert Tannahill, the weaver poet. The site of Inchinnan Old Kirk was included although it is closed to the public due to security issues for flights landing at Glasgow Airport. It was deemed important enough to cover the site with the memorials that were moved to Inchinnan Parish Church. 3.5 Attempts were made to contact the owners of the private graveyards. The Killallan Preservation Trust and Woodside Cemetery both agreed to participation, while contact with owners of Castlehead has been unsuccessful to date. Graveyards for Inclusion 3.6 A list of the graveyards considered appropriate for inclusion in any heritage trail is set out in table 1 below. Some 20 sites were chosen following the selection process, with 11 of these within Paisley and the remaining 9 across wider Renfrewshire. Table 1 - Graveyard Sites, Paisley 1 Abbey Close Renfrewshire Council 2 Paisley Abbey Interior Paisley Abbey 3 Paisley Abbey Graveyard Renfrewshire Council 4 Laigh Kirk (Paisley Arts Centre) Renfrewshire Council 5 Oakshaw Trinity Church (Laigh Park) Renfrewshire Council 6 Holy Trinity (St James Street) Privately owned 7 Castlehead Church Privately owned 8 Martyr’s Parish Graveyard (Woodside) Privately owned 9 Woodside Privately owned Page 34 of 44
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7 PUBLIC 10 St Columba’s Cemetery (Hawkhead) Renfrewshire Council 11 Hawkhead Cemetery Renfrewshire Council Table 2 - Graveyard Sites, Wider Renfrewshire 1 Renfrew Old Parish Church Renfrewshire Council 2 Inchinnan Parish Church/Old Parish Church Privately owned/Renfrewshire Council 3 Bishopton Parish Church (Erskine Graveyard) Renfrewshire Council 4 Houston Parish Church and Renfrewshire Council 5 Kilallan Kirk, Houston Kilallan Kirk Preservation Trust 6 Kilbarchan Old West Kirk Privately owned 7 Kilbarchan Parish Church (East) Renfrewshire Council 8 Johnstone High Church Renfrewshire Council 9 Lochwinnoch (Cemetery, ‘Auld Simon’, Collegiate Church) Renfrewshire Council, Historic Environment Scotland Page 35 of 44
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8 PUBLIC 4. Summary and Next Steps 4.1 Outcomes from this study indicate that there is currently limited interaction with historic graveyards within Renfrewshire. Despite this they offer a historic and cultural resource as well as a valued place for reflection. In this context there is an opportunity to highlight important graveyards across Renfrewshire both in terms of local history and a tourism offer. 4.2 The graveyards identified as those which could be investigated further in section 3 above are geographically diverse and so a heritage trail is unlikely to be the most appropriate approach. An alternative is the creation of an information leaflet which highlights graveyards across Renfrewshire and which could be digitally available for local residents and visitors alike. 4.3 There are also opportunities to further develop available resources in relation to graveyards in the future. These could include:- • Information on Commonweath War Graves and other associated service personnel who were buried abroad, but mentioned on family memorials; • Information on village war memorials; • Information on the statues of the county. 4.4 There are currently several exercises underway within Scotland on Graveyard Recording as part of plan for heritage tourism. Work by the Inchinnan Historical Society at Inchinnan Old is one example of both excavation and recoding of the old site. 4.5 The work at these graveyards is to help promote the tourism and knowledge local areas. As part of a wider piece of work to highlight awareness of graveyards in Renfrewshire, it may be appropriate to consider developing a research group to delve further into the stories of the graveyards and people of Renfrewshire buried within them. This could be to record the condition of the graveyard, number of stones and the inscriptions or develop talks or tours of the graveyards. Page 36 of 44
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PUBLIC ___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 17 March 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Historic Buildings in Villages Grants Scheme - Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 Following the papers to Board in August 2023 and August 2024, this report provides a further update on the Council Motion of 3 March 2022 to create a conservation and heritage grants scheme for property owners in and around the centres of Renfrewshire’s villages. 1.2 Available across the eleven Renfrewshire villages, two complementary grants were launched in November 2023 as a first round of funding under the “Historic Buildings in Villages Grants” scheme: “Maintenance Planning Grants”; and “Repairs Grants”. A second round of funding was launched in May 2025. 1.3 The scheme was originally launched with £250,000 of Council funding as allocated in 2022. Since it’s launch, a further £150,000 has been allocated to the scheme comprising: an additional £50,000 of Council funding in 2025/26, and £100,000 from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP). 1.4 The application process follows a similar model to the online process successfully established for the Retail Improvement Scheme, with applications scored on a range of criteria which assess impact, quality and deliverability. 1.5 Across two rounds of the scheme over 100 applications have been received, with a geographical spread across Renfrewshire’s villages. 1.6 At the conclusion of Round 2 assessments, all available funds were allocated. ___________________________________________________________________ Item 6 EAR170326 Page 39 of 44
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PUBLIC 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: (i) Notes the progress to date in respect of the number of enquiries and applications received for the scheme. (ii) Approves a third round of the Scheme should any of the current allocation remain unspent. (iii) Authorises the Head of Economy and Development to seek sources of funding for future rounds of the scheme. _________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The Council meeting of 3 March 2022 agreed to allocate £250,000 of capital resources committed to town centre regeneration and underpin a conservation and heritage grants scheme for property owners in and around Renfrewshire’s village centres. 3.2 The Historic Buildings in Villages Grants Scheme focuses on preserving and enhancing the historic built environment in Renfrewshire’s villages, complementing the existing Villages Investment Fund, to support projects which strengthen the character, identity and heritage of Renfrewshire’s village communities. 3.3 In aligning with the Villages Investment Fund, the Historic Buildings in Villages Grants scheme has been available to property owners in eleven Renfrewshire settlements: Bishopton, Bridge of Weir, Brookfield, Crosslee, Elderslie, Houston, Howwood, Inchinnan, Kilbarchan, Langbank and Lochwinnoch. ___________________________________________________________________ 4 Historic Buildings in Villages Grants Scheme 4.1 In devising an application and assessment process, lessons were learned from Renfrewshire Council’s established Retail Improvement Scheme and the Paisley TH.CARS2 regeneration project. Research was also undertaken into similar schemes offered by local authorities and heritage trusts nationally. Following Round 1, a review of the parameters of the scheme was undertaken and small adjustments subsequently made to the guidance and grant percentages for Round 2. 4.2 The Historic Buildings in Villages Grants scheme is targeted primarily at private property owner occupiers (including shared owners), but third sector organisations and commercial businesses (who are more likely to be lessees) are eligible to apply. 4.3 Properties dating from 1945 or earlier are eligible for funding. Applications are scored according to a range of criteria weighted to prioritise listed buildings, buildings at risk, buildings within conservation areas, and buildings in shared ownership. Page 40 of 44
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PUBLIC 4.4 Grants are available through two complementary schemes: (i) Maintenance Planning Grants support a conservation accredited professional advisor to undertake an external survey and prepare an illustrated, costed maintenance plan for a privately owned historic property. Grants of up to 80% of eligible costs (excluding VAT) - up to a maximum value of £1,500 per property - were available in Round 1. To further incentivise uptake, this grant was raised to 90% in Round 2. Applications to Round 2 closed on 26 June 2025. (ii) Repairs Grants support the repair of a privately owned historic property. Small Grants of up to 60% of eligible costs (excluding VAT) are available for works valued between £3,000 and £8,000 (excluding VAT). Standard Grants of up to 50% of eligible costs (excluding VAT) are also available; these support works valued over £8,000 (excluding VAT). The maximum amount awarded for Standard Grants under both rounds was £25,000 however in Round 1 applications for grants above £25,000 were considered in exceptional circumstances. Applications for Round 2 Repairs Grants closed on 9 October 2025. 4.5 The criteria for the Historic Buildings in Villages Grants scheme assess the impact, quality and deliverability of proposed works. Criteria include: (i) Whether the property is listed, within a village conservation area or is identified on the Buildings at Risk Register; (ii) Ownership and evidence of commitment of owners to repair and maintain the property; (iii) Whether the property is currently occupied and has a long-term, sustainable function; (iv) Evidence of a level of input from a suitably experienced professional advisor; (v) Whether quotes have been obtained from Renfrewshire based contractors and their experience working on older properties. 4.6 By supporting demand for traditional building skills in Renfrewshire the scheme also seeks to grow this specialist part of the construction sector regionally. ___________________________________________________________________ 5 Outcomes to date 5.1 In total, officers have recorded 150 formal enquiries to the scheme. Of the 11 eligible villages, enquiries have been received from every village, except Inchinnan. 5.2 Under Round 1: (i) Of 13 applications for Maintenance Planning Grants, 8 offers of grant totalling £8,419 were accepted - and Maintenance Plans completed - by Page 41 of 44
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PUBLIC property owners in Bridge of Weir, Houston, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch. (ii) Of 36 applications for Repairs Grants from 7 villages, 21 progressed to delivery. 19 of those have completed, with the remaining 2 nearing completion. To date, grant payments totalling over £180,000 have been made in support of works valued at almost £420,000. 5.3 Under Round 2: (i) Of 13 applications for Maintenance Planning Grants, 11 offers of grant totalling £11,984 have been made to property owners in Bridge of Weir, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch, with 4 already having been completed. (ii) Of 39 applications for Repairs Grants from 6 villages, 29 Offers of Grant, totalling nearly £200,000, have been made. (iii) While a similar number of Repair Grant applications were received under both rounds, in Round 2 the total value of eligible works was almost 20% higher. Consequently, to ensure the widest support of eligible works, unlike Round 1, no Repair Grants were awarded at the maximum possible percentages. (iv) Applications for Repairs Grants largely continue to be for roof repair or replacement, and window refurbishment or replacement. (v) As well as promotion through social media, press and posters displayed in eligible villages, flyers were distributed as part of the Round 2 launch, with those villages underrepresented in Round 1 specifically targeted. 5.4 For a variety of reasons, under Round 1 not all offers of grant ultimately progressed to delivery of the proposed works. For example, grantees circumstances changed, or grantees did not obtain the required consents. It is anticipated that the same will happen under Round 2 and that while all available funds have currently been allocated, ultimately there may be some underspend. ___________________________________________________________________ 6 Feedback 6.1 A small percentage of grantees have submitted formal feedback. (i) Grantees are supportive of the scheme, though some find the application process onerous. (ii) Obtaining quotes from suitably qualified contractors is a recurring challenge for grantees – this mirrors what prospective applicants and applicants report to officers. (iii) Grantees are satisfied with the work that has been supported. (iv) Grantees say they would have had to wait until a later date to instruct works – or would not have instructed works at all – without grant support. (v) Grantees appreciate the support received from officers. ___________________________________________________________________ Page 42 of 44
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PUBLIC 7 Next Steps 7.1 Officers will review scheme guidance and the application process and seek to continue to improve the guidance and simplify the application process. 7.2 Officers will continue to seek external funding for the scheme to match any underspend, with a view to offering a Round 3. 7.3 Officers will consider whether submitting formal feedback should be a condition of the final grant claim. ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – Funding for the scheme has utilised approved Council budgets totalling £300,000 and PBIP funding of £100,000. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None 3. Community/Council Planning – • Our Renfrewshire is thriving – The schemes support development which will protect and enhance the built heritage of Renfrewshire’s village centres, contributing to the creation of thriving places which support individuals, communities, and businesses. • Reshaping our place, our economy and our future – The schemes will help support the restoration and productive re-use of buildings in the centres of Renfrewshire’s villages, improving the built environment, helping to create job opportunities and contribute to economic growth. 4. Legal – Third party grants are awarded within the relevant Council policies and will be subject to the Council’s approved conditions. 5. Property/Assets – None. 6. Information Technology – ICT have developed and maintain the online application process for both grants offered under the scheme. The Digital Experience team maintain the landing page for the scheme and guidance information for both grants on the council website. 7. Equality & Human Rights – The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None. 10. Risks – None. 11. Privacy Impact – None. Page 43 of 44
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PUBLIC 12. Climate Risk – With cognisance of Historic Environment Scotland’s ‘A Guide to Climate Change Impacts: On Scotland’s Historic Environment, Our Place in Time, 2019’, the repair and maintenance of Renfrewshire’s historic fabric will contribute to the restoration and repair of buildings and will improve the performance of these properties over time. 13. Children’s Rights – None. 14. COSLA Policy Position – None. _________________________________________________________ Author: Euan Shearer; Regeneration and Place Manager Email: euan.shearer@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 44 of 44