Discover Kilbarchan

Kilbarchan brings together a tangible craft history, places of remembrance and a procession that passes through the village to Kilbarchan Public Park. At the heart of its weaving history is Weaver’s Cottage: built in 1723, the house illustrates the living and working conditions of a typical handloom weaver. Other landmarks include the ruins of the former St Katherine’s Church, the grave of piper Robert “Habbie” Simpson and the Lilias Day procession. Visitors looking for a distinctive connection to the place can choose between its craft, church and commemorative history, and the experience of an event.

Handloom weaving at Weaver’s Cottage

Weaver’s Cottage houses the village’s last working handloom. The house also illustrates the living and working conditions of a typical handloom weaver. Its construction in 1723 places the cottage in a specific historical period; the loom and its interpretation draw attention to the craft and the way of life associated with it. So the story is not just about the age of a building, but also about the connection between home and work. Those who enjoy tracing a place’s history through a single house will find a clear thematic anchor here: the cottage, the handloom and the life of a weaver. These tangible points of reference give the subject of handloom weaving in Kilbarchan its own distinctive character.

Church history across several periods

On the grounds of Kilbarchan Parish Church are the ruins of the former St Katherine’s Church, which dates from the 15th century. The grave of the famous 16th-century piper Robert “Habbie” Simpson is also on the church grounds. The village’s residents are affectionately known as “Habbies” after him. The foundation stone of Kilbarchan Parish Church was laid in 1787.

These details represent different forms of remembrance: the ruins point to an earlier church, Simpson’s grave to a well-known individual, and the nickname to his connection with the village’s residents. The laying of the foundation stone marks another chapter in the church’s history. Another cultural landmark is Kilbarchan Steeple and Steeple Buildings, designated a Category A listed building. This designation adds a clear heritage classification to the story of architecture and remembrance.

Lilias Day: a procession through the village

Lilias Day offers another perspective on Kilbarchan. The procession passes through the village and then into Kilbarchan Public Park; it is one of the oldest in Scotland. Its route gives the event a tangible connection to the village and the park, while craft is at the heart of Weaver’s Cottage and church history is central to the Parish Church grounds. This lets you choose between different reasons to visit: a history rooted in named places and people, and a procession held on a specific event date. If you plan to time your trip to coincide with Lilias Day, check in advance when the procession takes place.

Getting there and choosing where to stay

The frequent No. 38 bus from Paisley and Glasgow, as well as from Johnstone railway station, passes directly by Weaver’s Cottage. There is a free public car park 100 metres from the cottage. If you are travelling by bus, check the timetable before setting off.

When looking for a holiday rental, you might first consider whether weaving history, church history or Lilias Day will be the main focus of your stay in Kilbarchan. If you are visiting for the procession, include the event date in your plans. If you are primarily interested in the village’s history, the cottage, the Parish Church and the listed Steeple Buildings offer different cultural and historical points of interest.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lochwinnoch, Bridge Of Weir, Eaglesham, Paisley, Giffnock, Howwood, Newton Mearns, Elderslie.

For the broader travel guide: Renfrewshire.