A MUSEUM which celebrates Johnstone’s heritage has made its own little bit of history after welcoming its 50,000th visitor.

Having first opened its doors in April 2008, Johnstone History Museum has since gone from strength to strength.

Despite its somewhat unusual location, in the middle of a busy supermarket, people from across Renfrewshire and beyond have dropped in to learn more about Johnstone’s proud past.

Among them is restaurant worker Tabassum Shafiq, from Bridge of Weir, who was delighted to find out he was the 50,000th visitor.

Tabassum was welcomed by museum volunteers Helen Bowie and Marlene Rogan and later presented with a quaich and a commemorative certificate by Johnstone History Society chairman Iain Murray.

It was also a chance for Iain to thank the team of helpers at the museum, based within the Morrisons store in Napier Street.

“When the supermarket was being planned, discussions were held between the council’s planning department, Morrisons directors and members of Johnstone History Society about the possibility of incorporating a purpose-built community museum within the store,” recalled Iain, who is a retired ship worker.

“With financial help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the present facility came to pass.

“Johnstone History Society owes a huge debt of thanks to the late Councillor John Kenny, the late Adam Lynch and his wife Janette, who put in a huge amount of work to help create the museum that we see in place today.

“The present team carry on the work they created.”

Those who visit the museum can sift through a treasure trove of information, photographs, historic documents, maps, memorabilia and industrial artefacts that chart the town’s proud history from February 1782, when it was first planned by George Houstoun, the Laird of Johnstone, to the present day.

There is also a First World War roll of honour.

Iain said: “Visitors come in from all over the world but it is also great to welcome local people, including school groups, who discover a lot about their own town for the first time.”

The museum is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 10.30am until 4pm, and entry is free.

For more information, visit https://johnstonehistory.org.