John Byrne to receive Freedom of Renfrewshire
Renowed Scottish artist and playright John Byrne, famous for penning the Slab Boys Trilogy and Tutti Futti - is in line to be awarded the Freedom of Renfrewshire
Provost Lorraine Cameron has submitted a motion to honour the artist who was born in Ferguslie Park in Paisley in 1940, and it will be considered at this week’s council meeting.
Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “John is a celebrated playwriter, painter, printmaker and theatre designer and has put Paisley on the map. He continues to be committed to our local community and is treasured by citizens of Ferguslie Park, past and present, as well as the wider Renfrewshire community and its civic leaders. I’m delighted to offer him this honour and thank him for the contribution he has made to Renfrewshire.”
Opposition party leader, Councillor Eddie Devine, who seconded the motion said: “I’m delighted to second Provost Cameron’s motion to award the Freedom of Renfrewshire to John Byrne, in recognition of his achievements and commitment to Renfrewshire. Throughout his successful career he has never forgotten his roots.”
The Freedom of Renfrewshire is an honorary title and is the highest civic honour that can be bestowed upon an individual or group and has only been awarded five times previously.
The Slab Boys Trilogy tells the story of young-working class Scots in Paisley and inspired by his own experiences working in Stoddard’s Carpet Factory in Elderslie.
John returned to Paisley on Saturday 22 February to celebrate his 80th year as part of the inaugural Paisley Book Festival. The sold-out event in Paisley Arts Centre featured readings from his plays and live music.
He will also bring his new musical play, Underwood Lane, to Paisley Arts Centre from 25-28 June for its world premiere, in partnership with Renfrewshire Leisure and Tron Theatre.
The play tells the tale of a young skiffle band trying to make it and is written in memory of John's Paisley buddy, Gerry Rafferty, who was born and brought up on the street and will be the last event to be held at Paisley Arts Centre before it closes for refurbishment.
If approved, the Freedom of Renfrewshire will officially be awarded to John Byrne later this year.