Announcing
Heritage Buddies
Where Buddies Rest: Stories Rise
Heritage Buddies Project Launched to Explore and Preserve Renfrewshire’s Historic Graveyards
The Urban Historian is proud to announce the launch of Heritage Buddies, a new community heritage project supported by Renfrewshire Council’s Culture, Heritage and Events Fund (CHEF). Running from now until December 2027, the project will bring together archaeology, genealogy, and local history to record, research, and share the rich stories embedded in Renfrewshire’s heritage graveyards.
From the iconic Paisley Abbey burial grounds to the more hidden historic sites like Killallan Kirk in Houston & Killellan Parish, Renfrewshire is home to centuries of local history waiting to be uncovered. Many of these sites are the final resting places of generations of Paisley Buddies and others who shaped the region’s past.
What Heritage Buddies Will Do:
- Form research groups to survey graveyards using archaeological techniques.
- Transcribe and document memorial inscriptions.
- Trace the genealogical roots of those buried and uncover their life stories.
- Deliver free talks on the history and significance of graveyards across Paisley and Renfrewshire.
- Offer free public graveyard tours during 2026 and 2027, highlighting stories uncovered by the project.
Community Consultation: November–December 2025
A series of community consultation events will take place in November and December 2025 to:
- Gather personal memories and stories about ancestors buried in Renfrewshire’s graveyards.
- Discuss ideas on how these historic sites could be preserved and promoted as heritage tourism assets.
- Provide opportunities for those interested to meet the project team and sign up as volunteers for the research groups.
This is a fantastic opportunity for local residents, history enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in Renfrewshire’s heritage to get involved, learn new skills, and contribute to a lasting legacy.
Get Involved:
The first consultation and recruitment session will be on Saturday 8th November between 10am and 1pm in Paisley Arts Centre, the former Laigh Kirk with its mid-18th Century graveyard. Details of the other consultation events will be published shortly and can be found on our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram along with the project website www.heritagebuddies.uk
Together, let’s uncover and share the stories carved in stone beneath our feet.
