LED lighting has been installed on the Tweedie Hall building in Linwood to allow the town to mark events around the year such as Christmas, Remembrance Day and Pride with a colourful lighting display similar to the other towns around Renfrewshire.
Last year Councillor Robert Innes vowed to ‘light up Linwood’ in memory of local schoolboy William McNally who lost his life in a tragic accident on the River Gryffe.
Cllr Innes requested the new LED lighting structure on the Tweedie Hall after being inspired by the activism of William’s family in highlighting water safety on Renfrewshire’s rivers.
In recent years, the local authority has lit up landmarks across Renfrewshire in blue to recognise World Drowning Prevention Day. Linwood has been unable to take part until now.
The new lights on the Tweedie Hall will be officially switched on for the first time this summer by Provost Lorraine Cameron alongside William McNally’s family to highlight World Drowning Prevention Day. Everyone in Linwood is welcome to come along to the switch on.
Provost Lorriane Cameron said: “When Cllr Innes first approached me about this situation and highlighted the activism of William McNally’s family I thought it was a truly remarkable cause and was happy to lend my support.”
“William McNally’s family have done and are continuing to do a really important job in highlighting the dangers that people face in Renfrewshire rivers. This wonderful family has been through the unimaginable in losing a loved one in such tragic circumstances and they are showing how much they care for their community in championing this cause.”
“It is my pleasure to be joining Williams family this summer as we officially switch on the lights at the Tweedie Hall for the very first time. I would encourage everyone in the Linwood community to come along and join us.”
Cllr Robert Innes said: “I am extremely glad we have gotten to this point with the LED lights now in place at the Tweedie Hall. Linwood will now be able to commemorate important days and events throughout the year, along with the other towns in Renfrewshire.”
“This was especially important to me to get this lighting project done as the inspiration for it had come from such a special place. The activism that William McNally’s family have shown in highlighting water safety on our rivers is truly inspirational and it inspired me to pursue these lights for them and everyone in Linwood.”
“Thanks to everyone that has been involved in making this happen. I am sure that going forward, it will mean a lot to local people that Linwood is now able to mark events such as Christmas, Pride or Remembrance Day as well as many more special days and causes.”
William McNally’s mum Sharron Drennan said: “I am really pleased to see that Linwood will be lit up this year for World Drowning Prevention Day. It is a pleasure for our family to have been asked by the Provost to switch on the lights alongside her for the very first time for our community.
“Thank you to everyone that has made this possible for our town, but especially Cllr Innes for pursuing this for us all in Linwood in the first place. Everyone is most welcome to join our family and the Provost in Linwood this summer as we raise awareness of World Drowning Prevention Day.”
“William is very much missed by all of us every single day. The summer months are fast approaching us now and young people will be down enjoying the good weather and jumping in our rivers. Please be aware of the dangers they possess if you are going in the river and please stay away from any potentially unsafe areas along our rivers.”
