- Bridge of Weir
infobox UK place
country = Scotland
official_name= Bridge of Weir
gaelic_name=
scots_name=
os_grid_reference= NS387655
map_type= Scotland
latitude=55.856511
longitude=-4.577666
population= 4,635 [cite web|publisher=Scotland's Census Results Online|title =Comparative Population Profile: Bridge of Weir Locality | url=http://www.scrol.gov.uk/scrol/browser/profile.jsp?profile=Population&mainArea=bridge+of+weir&mainLevel=Locality | date = 2001-04-29| accessdate =2008-08-31 ] (2001 census)
est. 4,650 [http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/publications-and-data] (2006)
unitary_scotland=Renfrewshire
lieutenancy_scotland= Renfrewshire
post_town= JOHNSTONE|postcode_district = PA11
postcode_area= PA |dial_code= 01505
constituency_westminster=James Sheridan (Lab), Paisley & Renfrewshire North
constituency_scottish_parliament=Trish Godman (Lab), West Renfrewshire West of ScotlandBridge of Weir is a small town in
Renfrewshire ,Scotland lying within theGryffe Valley . It largely serves as adormitory settlement for nearbyGlasgow andPaisley , although maintains a commercial centre of its own.History
Bridge of Weir was historically an area divided between the parishes of neighbouring Houston and
Kilbarchan . [ [http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/sct/RFW/Houston/index.html GENUKI: Houston And Killallan ] ] The village grew to relative affluence after the arrival of the railway line, which has now been closed.Historically, its biggest industry was
leather , and at its productivity peak the small village supported three tanneries. The leather industry survives to this day, albeit on a smaller scale than during its heyday. American car manufacturer Lincoln has long promoted its use of Bridge of Weir leather in their Continental line of luxury cars. In 1989, the House of Commons andHouse of Lords chambers inLondon were reupholstered using Bridge of Weir leather. [ [http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ilwwcm/publishing.nsf/Content/Navigation-els-Bridge-of-Weir(OurHistoryandHeritage)Homepage Renfrewshire Community Website - Bridge of Weir ] ]Rail links
Significant in the formation of the character of the village,
Bridge of Weir railway station opened20 June 1864 and closed on10 January 1983 .The village today
Activities
The village boasts some excellent river fishing, bisected as it is by the
River Gryffe , a tributary of the Black Cart Water which itself is a tributary of the River Clyde. Amongst other species, the river is host to brown trout, grayling and, occasionally, Atlantic salmon. The scenery around the river, in particular to the west of the town, towards Quarrier's Village, is quite stunning and unspoilt. Ben Lomond is just across the Clyde and there are some excellent spots for hillwalking in the surrounding area, for example Misty Law and Windy Hill.The village is also known for its golf history, at one point there were five golf courses in the vicinity, today there are two remaining, OC Ranfurly golf club and the Ranfurly Castle golf club.
ee also
*
Ranfurly References
External links
* [http://www.bridgeofweir.org/ Bridge of Weir Community Council ]
* [http://www.bridgeofweir.com/ Bridge of Weir Village ]
* [http://www.bowleather.co.uk/ Bridge of Weir Leather ]
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