Former railway line provides new walking route under Renfrew Road in Paisley

A new walking and cycling route to cross under Renfrew Road in Paisley is now open to the public.

The Gallowhill Link has transformed a former railway line to connect Gallowhill Road with the Paisley to Renfrew walking and cycling route, as well as the retail offering on both sides of Renfrew Road.

Using the underpass under the carriageway, the route includes a tarmacked off-road path shared by people walking, wheeling and cycling. It has new drainage and streetlighting which provides better visibility for users. Landscaping will be carried out during the next planting season.

The route will also offer an alternative for pupils and staff at the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus to walking along Renfrew Road.

Councillor Michelle Campbell, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “I’m delighted this new route is now available for the public to use as we further connect our communities and enhance our extensive walking and cycling network across Renfrewshire.

“The Gallowhill Link brings a former railway line back into use, adds another connection into the Paisley to Renfrew walking and cycling route, and provides an additional route into the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus for pupils and staff.

“It’s also closely tied into our AMIDS South project too which will better connect Paisley town centre with the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and Glasgow Airport, with this council outlining its commitment to improving travel infrastructure for everyone – be it walking, cycling, wheeling or driving.”

The project was funded by the Scottish Government who provided more than £1.8 million to support its design and construction.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “The opening of the Gallowhill Link is another strong example of how Scottish Government investment is helping local authorities deliver safer, more accessible infrastructure for walking, wheeling and cycling.

“By supporting Renfrewshire Council to transform a former railway line into a high‑quality active travel route, we’re making it easier for people to choose sustainable travel for everyday journeys.

“To support projects like this across the country, the Scottish Government is investing over £188 million in active and sustainable travel in 2025–26. In doing so, we’re helping more people and communities to save money, improve health and reduce emissions.”

The new route links into the Council’s transformational infrastructure project AMIDS South which is providing a new road bridge crossing at Paisley Harbour for pedestrians, cyclists and road traffic, a new road from Renfrew Road to Harbour Road which will serve the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus and connect to the new bridge, and a gateway route from Paisley town centre to Scotland’s home of advanced manufacturing AMIDS and Glasgow Airport.

The construction contract was carried out by John McGeady Ltd.

For more information on the wider AMIDS South project, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/amids-south.