THE next piece in the jigsaw that is Johnstone’s new multi-million pound retail park will fall into place tomorrow as an Aldi store opens its doors.

Scotland rugby star Mark Bennett will be joined by pupils from St Margaret’s Primary at 8am as he cuts the ribbon at the store.

German discount specialist Aldi is the third big name to move into the Paton’s Mill retail park, following hot on the heels of coffee giant Starbucks and Home Bargains.

To help mark the occasion, the first 30 customers at the new Aldi tomorrow morning will be treated to a complimentary bag of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Rugby ace Mark, who will also talk to St Margaret’s Primary pupils about his career and healthy eating regime, said: “I’m looking forward to hosting the opening of Aldi’s new store.

“I’m also excited to be able to talk to the pupils of St Margaret’s Primary after the opening. It will be a great opportunity for me to try to inspire them to eat healthily and stay active.

“I will also bring a donation of fresh fruit to help keep the children going throughout the day.”

Scores of jobs have now been created at the historic mill site, which had lain derelict for years.

Paton’s Mill was among Renfrewshire’s largest employers, with many local people working at the huge textiles plant on the banks of the Black Cart River.

Built in 1782 by the Corse and Burns Company, production at the famous bootlace factory ended in 2004 when Paton’s moved its operation to a nearby business park.

The site then became a frequent target for vandals, ultimately resulting in a devastating fire in 2013 which led to it being delisted by Historic Scotland.

Only the porter’s lodge, close to the front entrance gates, and the generator house, within a wooded area, remain at the site.

That paved the way for the new development, although some traders have expressed concerns that the retail park could have a negative impact on town centre businesses.