Johnstone

Johnstone sits on the south bank of the Black Cart Water, which provided the power for the early development of industry.  Visit the Renfrewshire Council website for more information. The planned layout of the town has provided two splendid civic squares, Houston Square and Ludovic Square, elegantly furnished and planted.  A vibrant local shopping centre is enhanced by good sports and leisure facilities.  Johnstone Swimming Pool has a learner's pool as well as a 25 meter pool and fitness suite.   

Johnstone History Society manages the innovative History Museum, hosted by Morrison's Supermarket in Napier Street.  The Museum is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10.30 am - 4.00 pm.  Group visits can be organised on Mondays or Tuesdays from 11.00 am to 2.30 pm.  To book a group visit please letter the Museum at 30 Napier Street Johnstone, PA5 8SF.  Cochrane Castle Golf Club is the local course, an 18 hole 5664 meter parkland course.  The town has a good selection of pubs, restaurants and cafes, and a well known local hotel, the Lynnhurst.

Walks around Johnstone

National Cycle Routes 7 and 75 follow the line of old railways to the south and west of the town.  Route 7 runs from Irvine in Ayrshire to Paisley and on to Glasgow, route 75 from Greenock to Edinburgh.  These traffic free routes provide peaceful access to the surrounding countryside, with wide views and lots of bird and plant life.  Look out for the interesting sculptures along NCR 75 - there is even a Roman Legion near Kilmacolm.  The Brandy Burn Way runs from Johnstone's Bluebell Woods to Gleniffer Braes Country Park.  The route starts at the junction of Beith Road and Rannoch Drive and ends at the Robertson Car Park on the Braes.