The Paisley Porridge Bowl

This rather uncomplimentary title was given to the John Neilson Institution, Paisley. This was a school financed by a legacy from John Neilson a successful local grocer.

It opened in 1852 in a building designed by Charles Wilson and the school quickly established a reputation for academic excellence. It started as a boys' school but later became co-educational.

In 1968 the school moved to new premises and the old building lay empty and neglected until 1991 when it was converted to luxury apartments.