Kicking off the winter events is a two-day spectacular Halloween festival in Paisley Town Centre, but Johnstone and Renfrew also get into the festive season with two special Christmas lights switch-on events for each town next month. Plus, new high speed internet technology and conversation works are transforming Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch for the better.

Halloween fest is spooktacular This weekend the Halloween festival is back and it promises to be twice the fun. Taking place over two days - Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October – the festival kicks off with the stunning parade down Paisley High Street at 6pm headed by the Spark! LED drummers. Joining them will be over a 100 participants wearing special costumes – you might even spot a Nessie.

On Saturday, the spooky fun continues with pumpkin carving in the craft tent plus outdoor food market stalls and the Paisley Farmers’ Market – there’s bound to be something to tickle all tastes. Plus, the streets will come alive with thrilling walkabout entertainers.

On County Square, movie lovers can watch Halloween-themed films all day in the cinema marquee. And if you are looking for something more to keep the kids entertained, pop in the town hall for some face painting, balloon modelling, arts and crafts and more. You could spot Hedwig in the Harry Potter themed owl show.

Both days will feature the spectacular fire garden and fire show finale – something you don’t want to miss.

It is sure to be a great couple of days. You can find out more at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/events.

Lights up for Renfrew and Johnstone Renfrew and Johnstone Christmas lights switch-on events are always a big night for the towns, bringing residents together in the heart of the community.

On Saturday 21 November, Houstoun Square will be a-buzz with the live stage, hosted by Pulse FM, showcasing local acts and performers. On top of that, the funfair and street entertainers are always big draws with craft workshops and face painting also on hand for kids of all ages.

Renfrew will be on song for the Provost’s annual carol service in the town hall, which follows a charming puppet show that’s sure to capture the imagination of kids and adults alike. There will also be balloon modelling, a funfair and a fireworks display at 5pm on Saturday 28 November.

Both events are fantastic days out for the whole family. Visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/events for more details.

Kilbarchan get connected to superfast broadband I’m pleased that Kilbarchan and Howwood have become the latest areas to get connected to superfast broadband. They join more than 11,300 homes and businesses in Renfrewshire who are now able to access fibre broadband through Digital Scotland’s £418million rollout scheme.

In an age where technology is becoming more of a necessity than a luxury, it is vital that everyone in Renfrewshire will have the option to access this high speed internet technology.

And I’m not the only one happy to see the arrival of fibre broadband. Local celebrity Callum Hawkins, Renfrewshire’s fastest man who came second in this year’s Great Scottish Run, also gave the scheme a big thumbs up.

Residents and businesses in Kilbarchan and Howwood should contact their service provider as soon as possible to start reaping the benefits.

Take a walk down Semple Trail Conserving a well-loved beauty spot is no easy task, but a special heritage project is doing just that for Semple Trail, which sits between the villages of Lochwinnoch and Howwood.

New paths and signs along the trail have greatly increased accessibility for visitors exploring the area’s hidden treasures. There are even seven newly installed viewpoints that showcase the landscape, history and natural attractions of Castle Semple.

The heritage project is the work of Renfrewshire Council and Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park with £850,000 funding coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, Renfrewshire LEADER and the Forestry Commission Scotland. And while much has been done to improve the area, there are still much more to do to preserve the cascades, cave and ice house.

The trail is definitely worth a trip out with the family to explore the area’s rich wildlife and heritage during autumn’s spectacular colour display.

Check out the Leader’s Latest at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/councilleader or follow #Leaderlatest on Twitter.