A plaque has been erected in Johnstone Town Hall in memory of a social reformer who hailed from the town.

The commemorative plate pays homage to John Fraser - a political activist who lived from 1794 until 1878.

The headteacher, who later became a leading Scottish Chartist, was tried for high treason during the 1820 Radical Uprising.

The tribute was the result of a motion in 2020 from independent councillor Andy Doig, who described Mr Fraser as "a leading light" in the foundation of the Co-operative movement in Johnstone during the 1860s.

The Gazette:

The Johnstone North representative told The Gazette: "He was tried for high treason simply for having a copy of the Radical handbill in his possession in 1820.

"He was subsequently released and was highly respected as the headteacher in Johnstone at the time and had also taught in Kilbarchan.

"By the 1840s, he believed the pen was mightier than the sword and became the editor of the Scottish Chartist newspaper The True Scotsman. 

It is understood that Mr Fraser was born in the building in Johnstone town centre where the Iceland store is now located.

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Councillor Doig added: "I am ashamed to say I did not know about John Fraser until I read a book on the 1820 Rising during lockdown, he was a key local champion for workers rights and a Scottish Parliament, and made a major mark on the development of the Scottish Chartist movement. 

"When he died in 1878, he left a town where ordinary people had significantly more rights than when he was born."

Independent councillor John Hood, who represents Johnstone South, added: "I was pleased to support Andy's motion in 2020 and am delighted to see the John Fraser plaque have pride of place at the entrance to Johnstone Town Hall. 

"When I think of how the Co-operative movement locally helped my family and their neighbours, the people of Johnstone have to thank John Fraser for his work in establishing it."