Join us as we take a trip down memory lane to reminisce about what was happening 20 years ago in East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire.

We have delved into the Barrhead News and Gazette archives to pick out some stories.

Here are some photographs from our editions which were published on Wednesday, November 24, 2004.

Do you remember these stories or spot any familiar faces?

1. Dad’s proud of my Scott-land match

(Image: Newsquest) Scotland’s newest rugby recruit made a dream come true for his biggest fan — his Barrhead-born dad. Scott Gray picked up his first full cap for Scotland against Australia at Murrayfield. But the Zimbabwe-born player only qualified for Scotland through his father, Donald. And seeing his boy running out in the dark blue was a great moment for Gray senior as well.

2. Read all about it

(Image: Newsquest) Pupils from St Thomas’ Primary read nursery kids stories at Madras Nursery. Seona Lawless is pictured reading a story with Keyleigh Shaw and Stuart Gough helping out.

3. New sponsor for budding football stars

(Image: Newsquest) Barrhead’s budding football stars had a new sponsor in the pipeline — one of the town’s top plumbing firms. The under 10 Barrhead Boys Club team sported bright, new tracksuits thanks to James McGowan Heating and Plumbing Engineers. 

4. The man with the golden gun

(Image: Newsquest) Alan Ritchie shot to the top of the field in his sport — armed with a golden gun. The Johnstone man came second in the Welsh Open Airgun championships and was narrowly beaten to the top spot by Commonwealth gold medallist Micky Gault. The 31-year-old faced 200 top shooters from across Britain at the competition in Cardiff which was a qualifier event for the GB national squad. 

5. Historic visit at Church

(Image: Newsquest) A prestigious visitor joined others at a Kilmacolm school for morning assembly. The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland took part in the morning assembly at St Columba’s School. Dr Alison Elliot addressed senior pupils and staff and spoke of issues close to her heart such as fair trade and the need for mutual understanding and tolerance.

6. Energetic children are out and about

(Image: Newsquest) Kids took part in a festival of sport with hundreds of pupils from all Renfrewshire’s primary schools. As many as 300 P5s were involved in the extravaganza at Linwood sports centre. In the run-up to the occasion, each child received four weeks coaching in football, netball, golf and athletics.