The Duke of Gloucester officially opened the Finding Your Feet Charity Hub Garden in Paisley on Wednesday 23 September 2026. The garden was created from a neglected space beneath the railway arches behind the Hub.
The Duke was received by Colonel Peter T McCarthy, Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, and shown around by the charity’s founder, Dr Cor Hutton MBE BCAc DL.
Work on Tony’s garden at 25 St James Street in Paisley began in 2022. Finding Your Feet says volunteers, community members and other charities based at the Hub helped shape it. The charity shares the building and garden with 15 other organisations.
The garden has wheelchair-friendly paths, planting, seating and features to encourage wildlife. The arches have power and Wi-Fi. A new podcast and tech studio is also available to groups at the Hub.
Renfrewshire Council provided grant funding, Mazars made a donation and Network Rail provided the space. The garden is now used for outdoor clubs, creative sessions and wellbeing activities, as well as by other local groups.
During his visit, the Duke watched an exercise class and a music session. He visited the studio, joined a craft group and met volunteers who make hospital visits and check-in calls. He unveiled a plaque to mark the opening.
Trooper David Lauder, who had shown the Duke his diamond art, gave him a handmade piece.
Dr Hutton said: “We’ve been working up to this day for a few years now and it’s so nice to get recognition of our work from The Duke of Gloucester and to add this huge garden and outdoor activities space to complement our charity hub building. Everything in the garden and the refurbishment has been donated, blagged or worked on by volunteers so that other Finding Your Feet donations and grants are reserved purely for supporting amputees.
“It is so well used by our Troopers, the other charities, tenants and guests and everyone has added a little bit of fun to improve the area. It’s been a true community project. Thanks to everyone involved.”
Alex, a Finding Your Feet Trooper, said: “Great outdoor space that suits amputees of all abilities with plenty seating and areas for quiet reflection if people so desire.”