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John Neilson Institution
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The John Neilson Educational Institution at Oakshawhead, Paisley, opened to pupils in April 1852. The building was designed by a leading architect of the day, Charles Wilson of Glasgow. His design is modern Renaissance, topped by a magnificent dome. The dome is surrounded by four decorative tripods carrying vases, and its prominent hilltop location means it can be seen for miles around, enhancing Paisley's skyline. It is known affectionately as the "porridge bowl" by locals.
The choice of location created controversy. The land was in use as a bowling green, and was a popular spot with locals who came to admire the view. Eventually the Council sold the land with the condition that the right of access to the view was safeguarded by the provision of a viewing spot with seats and a safety rail. This viewing spot is still there today.
John Neilson was a Paisley grocer who died in 1839,
aged 61, and was buried in Paisley Abbey. John Neilson's will directed a large portion of his wealth to be used to build a school and to establish a fund to finance the education of boys who would not otherwise be able to afford an education. His nephew, Archibald Gardner,
was one of the executors and he dedicated himself
to the task of establishing the school. He and the Trustees decided that the school would not be confined to elementary education, but would go on to advanced work in mathematics and classics.
aged 61, and was buried in Paisley Abbey. John Neilson's will directed a large portion of his wealth to be used to build a school and to establish a fund to finance the education of boys who would not otherwise be able to afford an education. His nephew, Archibald Gardner,
was one of the executors and he dedicated himself
to the task of establishing the school. He and the Trustees decided that the school would not be confined to elementary education, but would go on to advanced work in mathematics and classics.
The interior of the building was designed with a hall and four long rooms, and so the school was organised into four “schools” – Infants, Juniors, Juveniles and Seniors. Later the rooms were subdivided with partitions of wood and glass.
The school soon earned a reputation for excellence. In the 1870s, Her Majesty's Inspector for Schools called it an "educational triumph". As the school grew, additional annexes were required until in 1968 the school moved to a new purpose-built building at Ferguslie and became the John Neilson High School. In 1989, the school merged with Castlehead High School, and the name of John Neilson was no longer used.
The school soon earned a reputation for excellence. In the 1870s, Her Majesty's Inspector for Schools called it an "educational triumph". As the school grew, additional annexes were required until in 1968 the school moved to a new purpose-built building at Ferguslie and became the John Neilson High School. In 1989, the school merged with Castlehead High School, and the name of John Neilson was no longer used.
Charles Wilson's magnificent building lay empty and neglected for years. Eventually in 1991 work started to convert it to residential accommodation; the conversion created thirteen two-storey private apartments. In the entrance hall there now stands a statue of Greek philosopher Diogenes by local sculptor Alexander Stoddart. At night, this landmark building is enhanced by floodlighting.
Find out more
For more information on this or other historic buildings in Renfrewshire, contact the Local Studies Library by:
- email: locstuds.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- phone: 0141 889 2360
- fax: 0141 887 6468
- write to:
Reference and Local Studies Library
Central Library
68 High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BB
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