Erskine

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Erskine's location locally and nationally
Demographics
Population:	15,347 (2001 Census)
Administration
Local Government Region:	Renfrewshire
Nation:	Scotland
Geography
Traditional County:	Renfrewshire
Former Region:	Strathclyde
Post Office and Telephone
Post Town:	Erskine
Postcode:	PA8
Dialling Code:	0141

Erskine (Arasgain in Scottish Gaelic) is a commuter town in Renfrewshire, Scotland, located on the southern bank of the River Clyde at the western extent of the Greater Glasgow conurbation. It neighbours Renfrew, Bishopton, Inchinnan and Paisley and is located near Glasgow International Airport.

It was first developed in the 1970s for council housing, then the 1990s saw an increase in larger private housing. The town had a restriction on house building for 5-years, but this was later removed due to an influx in home buyers in the area.

The town consists of five main residential areas, Park Mains (built in 1970s), Bargarran (built in 1970s), Linburn (built in 1970s), Garnieland (built in 1990s) and Millfield (built in 1990s).

Erskine is probably best known for the suspension bridge towering high over the town which it offers its name to, the Erskine Bridge. Although it is also well known as the location of Erskine Hospital; a facility for ex-servicemen and woman that opened in 1916. This is located in an area of the town known locally as ‘old Erskine’. The 5-star Marhall hotel has also been used by celebrities who are performing in Glasgow at venues such as Hampden Park and the SECC, guests have included Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue.

Contents 1 Population 2 Schools 3 Retail/Leisure facilities 4 Nightlife 5 Crime 6 Famous residents 7 Town name (origins)

[edit] Population

The town is home to 15,347 residents according to the 2001 census [1], 93.5% of its residents were born in Scotland.

[edit] Schools

Erskine has five primary schools: Rashielea, Bargarran and Barsail and the Catholic schools St John Bosco and St Annes. The towns high school, Park Mains, is the largest school in Renfrewshire county, and one of the biggest in Scotland with over 1,500 students. (Park Mains has recently got a grant from a private company which will refurbish the school and pay towards it's regeneration, some of this is already evedent with the school having a new flood-light lit inclosed astro-turf football pitch.) Park mains is no longer being refurbished under the PPP scheme. It is hoped it will get a council refurbishment in 2007-2008

[edit] Retail/Leisure facilities

The majority of Erskine retail and leisure facilities are located within the towns Bridgewater complex. It is home to a supermarket (Morrisons), bakery, newsagent, two restaurants, opticians, doctors surgery, two hardware stores, bookmakers, salon, a swimming pool, bank and a public library. A new supermarket is being built, replacing the current Morrisons store. The older supermarket is to be turned into other shops. There is also a National Lottery-funded Sports Centre.

[edit] Nightlife

There is not much available for nightlife directly in Erskine. There are 3 Local Pubs: the Park Mains, the Eriskyne and the Bridgewater Tavern. The Bridgewater Tavern is the most lively venue on weekends and is usually full of 18-24 year olds. The town is a very close and easy link for clubs and pubs in Paisley, Renfrew or Glasgow City Centre.

[edit] Crime

Erskine has a relatively low crime rate, the majority of which is sourced from the Park Mains and Bargarran shop areas.

[edit] Famous residents

• Douglas Alexander, Member of Parliament
• Wendy Alexander, Douglas' sister and Member of Scottish Parliament
• James Sheridan, another Member of Parliament
• Ross Renton, educationalist and student leader
• John MacKay, Journalist
• Ian Ferguson, footballer
• Dougie Vipond, Deacon Blue drummer and broadcaster
• Jimmy Reid, journalist and trade union activist
• John McArthur, Union general during the American Civil War.
• Eileen Catterson, Miss Scotland 1987

[edit] Town name (origins)

The name Erskine derives from Eriskyne, a contraction of the Gaelic air an sgian, meaning upon the knife. It is said that a Scotsman under the command of Malcolm II uttered the phrase after slaying a Danish leader at the Battle of Murthill.