Picture this Ralston a small suburban settlement nestled in Renfrewshire. It borders Paisley a larger town. Ralston straddles the A761 a busy road linking Renfrewshire and Glasgow.
Ralston’s history stretches back to the 12th century. The name comes from the ancient feudal estates of Ralphistoun Ralph’s town. These estates included lands like Auldtoun now Oldhall Hullhead Barshaw and others. The Ralston family owned the land for centuries. In 1704 Gavin Ralston sold the estates. They changed hands several times eventually being broken up and sold as farmland.
The ruins of Ralston Mansion were demolished in the 1930s. Some original stonework remains though. It forms part of Ralston Golf Club’s clubhouse. The East and West Lodges on Glasgow Road were the estate’s original gatehouses.
Ralston wasn’t always a planned village. In the early 19th century the textile industry’s growth increased road traffic. The original road was just a dirt track. A new road was built. This became the Glasgow Road we know today. Villas appeared along Glasgow Road in the late 19th century. A village proper developed in the 1930s. The area’s expansion led to the demolition of several original farmhouses.
Ralston sits on south-facing hillsides. It overlooks the Gleniffer Braes and Bullwood plantation. Barshaw Park separates Ralston from Paisley to the west. To the east Ralston’s cottages line Glasgow Road. The area merges with Crookston. South Arkleston farm marks Ralston’s northern edge. Ralston Golf Course and Bathgo Hill define its southern boundary.
Ralston’s administration is interesting. Despite its proximity to Paisley Ralston remained independent. Before 1974 it was part of Hurlet and Oldhall. In 1995 residents voted to stay with Renfrewshire rather than join East Renfrewshire. This was largely due to concerns about schooling. Ralston is now a ward of Renfrewshire’s authority. The Ralston Community Council represents the district. Many people don’t realize Ralston isn’t technically part of Paisley. A subtle reminder of Ralston’s separate identity is the welcome signs on the A761. You’ll see the Renfrewshire sign a kilometre before the Paisley sign.
Today Ralston is a middle-class Paisley suburb. A busy place with high car ownership. It’s well served by buses but train access is limited. The A761 is a very busy road through Ralston. Many local bus routes connect Ralston to Paisley Johnstone Glasgow Airport and Glasgow itself. Ralston has a unique identity its own story within the larger context of Paisley and Glasgow.