About Us

  • Who we are

    We are the community!

    Friends of Barshaw Park was formed in 2014 by a group of locals who loved the park and wanted to see it cared for and brought back to life. They set up a volunteer committee — just people who used the park and cared about what it meant to the community.

    Now a registered SCIO charity, many of our original members are still involved, joined over the years by hundreds of others who share the same passion. No one is paid. We receive no regular funding. Everything we do is powered by goodwill, shared effort, and a deep love for this green space.

    Our goal is still the same: to protect and improve Barshaw Park, and to find fresh, inclusive ways for people across Paisley to enjoy everything it offers.

  • What we do

    We run activities that make Barshaw Park fun, welcoming and accessible to everyone.

    Volunteers took on the huge task of clearing and reviving the Walled Garden, once overgrown and neglected. Thanks to their effort, it’s now a standout feature of the park, winning top awards from Keep Scotland Beautiful two years in a row.

    We’ve also created a thriving Community Garden, where local groups can grow food, share skills, and connect with nature and each other.

    Throughout the year, we run events like bake sales, art stalls, and free crafts for families. Whether it’s planting bulbs or painting benches, everything happens because of the time and care our volunteers give

  • Why we do it

    Because parks are for people, and we believe everyone should feel welcome in Barshaw Park.

    We focus much of our work in the Walled and Community Gardens, where nature, connection and creativity come together. It feels good to be outside, doing something meaningful, side by side with others.

    We know Paisley is full of talented, passionate people. That’s why we’re always looking for new members and fresh ideas. The best solutions are shaped by the people who live here, and together, we can make Barshaw Park even better.

Visit our spaces

Our Community

Our Mission

“Friends of Barshaw Park is a group of local people, working together to grow, maintain and develop the park. Working with the public, we aim to engage, empower and educate those around us as they enjoy the benefits of this much-loved space.”

Meet our Board

Join Us

  • Join our gardening crew to help maintain the Walled and Community Gardens. From planting and watering to weeding and tidying, no experience needed — just a will to learn and love of being outdoors.

  • Support the planning and running of community events, from craft days and plant sales to open garden weekends. Perfect for friendly, organised types who enjoy working with people.

  • Help us raise funds to support the park. Whether it's organising raffles, applying for grants, or coming up with creative fundraising ideas, there’s plenty of ways to get involved.

  • Lend a hand behind the scenes with tasks like emailing volunteers, updating records, or helping with posters and publicity. A great option if you’re more of a behind-the-scenes type.

  • Got a skill or idea that doesn’t fit the list? Whether it’s photography, social media, joinery or storytelling, we’d love to hear what you could bring to the team.

History of Barshaw House & The Walled Garden

Barshaw House from the south west - post 1880.

A Place with History

Barshaw Park has a rich and fascinating past. At its heart stands Barshaw House once a grand private estate owned by the Arthur family, and now a cherished part of Paisley’s heritage.

The land was purchased by the town in 1911 and opened to the public in 1912. Over the years, Barshaw House has played many roles from wartime military hospital during World War I, to a much loved maternity ward where many Paisley babies were born.

Tucked behind the house lies the Walled Garden, originally used to grow fruit and vegetables for the estate. It later fell into disrepair, but thanks to local volunteers, it’s been transformed into a peaceful space for people to relax, grow, and connect.

From private grounds to public good, this part of the park has always been about growth — and today, that continues through community, creativity, and care.