Renfrewshire
Unitary authority in west central Scotland, bordering the Firth of
Clyde, which was formed from the northern and western parts of
Renfrew district in Strathclyde region (1975-96), which in turn
was formed from the former county of Renfrewshire (until 1974)
Area:
260 sq km/100 sq mi
Towns:
Paisley (administrative headquarters), Renfrew, Johnstone, Erskine
Physical:
Mainly low lying, but hilly in the west, rising to Hill of Stake (525
m/1,723 ft); rivers Clyde, Gryfe, White Cart, Black Cart
Features:
Sculptural stones at Inchinnan, near Erskine; Glasgow International
Airport
Industries:
Engineering, computers, electronics, chemicals
Agriculture:
Sheep on grassy uplands; dairy farming on lowlands
Population:
(1995) 178,300
History:
Once part of the ancient kingdom of Strathclyde; name given to Stuart
heirs since Robert III made his son Baron of Renfrew.
Economy
While dominated by large industrial and de-industrializing towns, the
area also covers an affluent belt of small towns and villages
that are within the Glasgow commuter belt.
Environment
There are seven Sites of Special Scientific Interest, one regional
park, and three country parks.
Administrative History
The county of Renfrewshire covered a more extensive area than the unitary
authority of the same name, as it also included the lands now
of Inverclyde and East Renfrewshire, which are unitary authorities
in their own right.
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