East Renfrewshire's most memorable moments during 2023

Do you remember these stories?

July, 26, 2023

An East Renfrewshire schoolgirl stepped forward to claim a world title as she took part in the planet’s largest all-genre dance competition.

Emma Dean travelled to Braga, in Portugal, with her mum Jodi, dad Kenny and brother Adam to compete in the Dance World Cup, which involved 7500 competitors from across the world.

The talented 10-year-old competed for Team Scotland after auditioning and being selected at the end of last year to perform in three solo contests.

In the run-up to the event, Emma trained five to six times per week – and her hard work paid off as, in her age group, she scooped the gold medal for tap, silver medal for acro and was placed sixth in jazz dance.

Jodi told the Barrhead News: “We are really proud. Just getting picked and going was exciting and then to not only make the top six but to get two medals was really special.

"It was amazing. She was just world class."

August, 30, 2023

A furious Barrhead pensioner hit out at East Renfrewshire Council due to overflowing bins being abandoned in her street.

Elizabeth Middleton, who lives on Divernia Way in the town, claimed that the local authority hadn't emptied the bins on her street for “weeks”.

According to the 69-year-old, rubbish had been able to “fly” everywhere in the area, while it has also been “infested by rats”.

She said: “The issue is the bins haven’t been emptied for weeks upon weeks and they are overflowing.

“All the rubbish is flying into our gardens, and we have to then go out and pick it up."

The frustrated woman revealed she and her neighbours had already contacted the local authority regarding the problem.

The council said the bins were "contaminated" with non-recyclable waste, which meant their workers were unable to uplift them.

However, the local authority arranged a separate collection for the waste.

September, 13, 2023

A talented pair of brothers made a big noise in the world of golf after earning the chance to compete on a global stage in America.

Evan Macaulay and younger sibling Lucas, who are members of Fereneze Golf Club, in Barrhead, won their respective age categories at the Wee Wonders British Championships, in North Berwick.

Their reward was a trip to America next year, where they will compete in the US Kids Golf World Championships.

The youngsters will be joined on their trip to the famous Pinehurst course, in North Carolina, by proud parents Callum and Clare-Marie.

Callum, 39, told the Barrhead News: “The Wee Wonders is a fantastic event. It was brilliant to see kids from all over the UK playing each other, having fun and meeting others.

“The boys are really close and are very supportive of each other."

Following their success, the boys were “buzzing” about taking part in the World Championships, which provide a stage for the sport’s next generation of stars to shine.

October, 25, 2023

A Barrhead woman became a social media sensation, thanks to her unusual home renovations.

Ashleigh Anderson was hailed as Scotland's "gothic answer to Mrs Hinch" - in a reference to English influencer Sophie Hinchcliffe, whose Instagram account features tips for home cleaning.

The 32-year-old said she was shocked to accidentally go viral on TikTok after sharing a video of her dramatic digs on social media.

The beauty salon owner, who prides herself on being "weird", transformed her home into a "tattoo studio waiting room" since moving in a year ago.

Ashleigh said: "I never had any intention of going viral on TikTok. I had no idea people would be so interested in my house.

"I really like unusual or weird stuff that no-one else has and I really want to make my living space show that off.

“There is an ounce of tackiness that I enjoy with interior design but I also think it needs to be cool, creative and well put together."

November, 15, 2023

An excited young lad's dream was turned into reality after he was personally invited to spend a special day with the area's cops. 

Four-year-old George White from Barrhead was asked along to the town's cop shop with his mum, Kimberley Wilson Nicol, and dad Ash White, after being spotted at the town's Halloween parade.

During the event in October, the youngster was dressed up as an officer, which caught the eye of PC Rudie McMahon.

George, who loves all things police and wants to be a cop when he's older, was then asked by the kind-hearted local officer to patrol with him at the front of the march.

Following this, the local force decided to invite the "budding recruit" along to the station to meet the crime-fighting team, have a look around, and check out a patrol car, before heading out with the team for a quick patrol.

His mum said he was "so excited" to see all the policemen and woman during his trip.

December, 6, 2023

A good cause in Barrhead was recognised for being a "beacon of change and inclusion" at a celebration led by TV presenter Sean Batty.

The popular weather presenter hosted the Scotland Loves Local Awards at the V&A in Dundee. 

The town's Include Me 2 Club was proud to fly the flag for East Renfrewshire as it was crowned the runner-up in the Enterprising Community Award.

The event heard how the club operates primarily across Glasgow, East Renfrewshire, and Renfrewshire.

While they also learned about its focus on helping anyone with additional support needs, learning or physical disability, or mental health conditions suffering from isolation or loneliness whatever their age.

IM2C said: "So proud to be flying the flag for enterprise, inclusion, and East Renfrewshire nationally,

"A great night celebrating Scotland Loves Local and local communities, enterprises and people.

"We also met STV presenter Sean Batty who also comes from Paisley and was keen to come along for a visit to see what the charity does."