A Brief History of Barrhead

Before Barrhead had hairdressers, pubs, and food options galore, it was a patchwork of peaceful little settlements — places like Dovecothall, Aurs, Fereneze, and Dealston. But quiet doesn’t mean forgotten. Evidence of early habitation includes the remains of an Iron Age hillfort at Duncarnock and the ancient Arthurlie Cross, believed to date back as far as the 10th century.

The name “Barrhead” itself first appeared around 1750, and comes from the agricultural term “Barr” – meaning long ploughed furrows used in crop cultivation. A fitting name for a place built on hard work and growth.

The Industrial Boom

The 18th and 19th centuries marked a turning point for Barrhead, as the town transformed into a key player in Scotland’s textile industry. Thanks to the clean, fast-flowing waters of the Levern River, the area was ideal for powering mills and supporting textile processes like bleaching and printing.

The first major development came in 1773 with a printfield at Fereneze, opened by Graham of Chappell. By the 1830s, the riverbanks were lined with a steady stream of industrial activity — a chain of bleachfields, mills, and printworks that brought both jobs and growth. One of the most notable employers was South Arthurlie Printworks, opened by the Heys family in 1841. Their legacy lives on in local street names like Heys Street.

Growth, Governance & Community

With industry came people — and lots of them. By 1811, the population had reached around 2,000. In response to this growth, Barrhead was officially recognised as a police burgh in 1894, with William Shanks taking up the role of the town’s first provost.

Housing and local infrastructure expanded steadily through the early 20th century. Notably, the interwar years saw the development of public housing on the former grounds of Arthurlie House, originally built in 1780. These changes shaped the town we still see today.

A Changing Role in the Modern Era

As traditional industries began to fade in the later 20th century, Barrhead adapted. The town evolved into a well-connected commuter base for nearby Paisley and Glasgow — but it never lost its sense of identity. Today, it remains proud of its roots, with a strong sense of community and ongoing investment in local life.

In 2024, Barrhead celebrated 130 years as a burgh — a moment to reflect on how far this town has come, and how much life continues to thrive here.

A Town That Grows With Its People

Barrhead’s history is woven into its streets, from old industrial sites to the names on signposts. What started as a cluster of quiet farming communities is now a town full of life, pride, and purpose. And while the landscape has changed, the spirit of Barrhead — hard-working, community-focused, and always evolving — remains as strong as ever.