In an exciting development for the residents of Paisley, McGill’s Buses is set to bring back a piece of the town’s rich transportation history. Starting Sunday, July 14th, McGill’s will partially revive a bus route that existed over 70 years ago, breathing new life into the community’s connection to its past.
The updated service will see significant changes to routes 7 and 7A, in response to long-term road closures in the Tannahill Road area, which is facilitating demolition work. These closures necessitate the re-routing of the 7A, which will now travel via Blackstoun Road in both directions. This route adjustment not only caters to current logistical needs but also mirrors a historic path that once connected key areas within Paisley to factories such as Filshill works at Inchinnan road.
The 7A will follow part of Blackstoun Road ( Ferguslie Park Avenue to the roundabout at Blackstoun Oval ), a route that was historically ran by the Paisley & District Omnibus Co Ltd of 4 Gordon Street in the 1940’s, the route went from Springbank Road to Ferguslie Park and then to Inkerman. This change is more than a practical rerouting; it’s a nod to the past, reconnecting modern-day Paisley with its historical transit routes.
Additionally, there will be modifications to the evening journeys from Monday to Saturday. The 7 route’s evening services will now operate as 7A journeys via Ferguslie Park at the following times:
- From Paisley: 20:40, 21:40
- From Linwood Clippens: 20:35, 21:35
New bus stops are currently being installed on Blackstoun Road with one on either side of the road at the former APEX centre on Blackstoun Road another two on opposite sides of the road close to St Fergus Grove.
This change is expected to enhance the convenience for residents traveling in and out of Ferguslie Park, an area with deep historical significance. The rerouted service acknowledges the past while addressing present-day requirements, creating a bridge between different eras of Paisley’s urban landscape.
Local commuters and history enthusiasts alike have much to look forward to with this revival. The re-routing via Blackstoun Road promises not only to ease the current travel disruptions caused by the Tannahill Road closures but also to rekindle a connection with Paisley’s transportation heritage.
McGill’s Buses’ decision to revive part of an old route is a thoughtful blend of practicality and nostalgia. As Paisley continues to grow and evolve, it’s heartening to see a piece of its history being honored and preserved through this updated bus service. The community can look forward to more seamless travel, enriched by a touch of historical reverence.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 14th, and experience a journey that celebrates both the past and the present of Paisley’s vibrant transport network.
Paisley Photographs 