Happy TravellerWelcome to Johnstone, a historic town located in the west central Lowlands of Scotland. With its rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals, Johnstone is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Founded in the 18th century, Johnstone was largely a planned community that grew up around the house of Easter Cochrane, later known as Johnstone Castle. Today, the town boasts a vibrant community and a range of attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
One of the town’s most notable landmarks is the Johnstone History Museum, which opened in 2008 and is the world’s first museum located inside a supermarket. Here, visitors can learn about the town’s fascinating past and explore exhibits that showcase its rich cultural heritage. Another must-see attraction is the Cochrane Castle Golf Club, which is embedded within Cochrane Castle and once held the world record for the longest hole.
For those interested in the town’s industrial history, Johnstone offers a range of fascinating sites to explore. The town was once a hub for the thread and cotton industries, with mills powered by the Black Cart Water which runs to the north of Johnstone. A six-storey cotton mill, one of the largest in Scotland, was built in 1782 and was rescued from failure by Robert Burns of Paisley sometime before 1812. Burns introduced Richard Arkwright’s methods for spinning cotton. Today, visitors can still see the remnants of these industries throughout the town, including the former court building in Collier Street.
Johnstone is also home to a range of excellent schools, including Thorn Primary School, St. Davids Primary School, and Johnstone High School. The town is split between the Johnstone South and Elderslie and Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch wards for elections to Renfrewshire Council, which each elect four councillors each under the Single Transferable Vote electoral system. For elections to the Scottish Parliament, Johnstone is included in the constituency of Renfrewshire South which is currently held by Tom Arthur.
Getting to Johnstone is easy, with Glasgow International Airport located just 3.5 miles northeast of the town. The town is also well-connected by road, with the A737 providing easy access to the M8 motorway and central Scotland. Bus services are operated by McGills Bus Service Limited and Key Coaches, while the Johnstone railway station provides links to Glasgow Central, Paisley, and the Ayrshire coast.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, Johnstone has something for everyone. So why not plan your visit today and discover all that this charming town has to offer?
