The mural symbolises the strength of the Sandyflats community and reflects the ‘can do’ attitude of local people.

The Sandyflats Tenants’ and Residents’ Association decided their Sandyflats foodstore in Bute Drive could do with an external paint job and set about working with others to make that happen. 

The group is affiliated to Linstone Housing, which has a community hub in the area that helps bring the neighbourhood together and is a focal point for many community activities.

The tree was painted by renowned Renfrewshire artist Dair Graff with help from local families. Talented Dair is already well known for creating an eye-catching mural of a giant panda on a side wall at a takeaway food shop in Paisley.

The residents enlisted the help of Linstone Housing and its contractor A. C. Whyte and Co Ltd. The firm generously cleaned the surface of the walls, and rendered them to create a smooth surface at no cost to the community. The walls were then painted a sparkling white colour.

New paving has been installed by Johnstone-based firm BCE Ltd, and handrails by Glasgow-based D Tobias 1995 Ltd to complete the new look.

The residents are keen to acknowledge the support of the popular Sandyflats shopkeeper “Jaz”. A. C. Whyte & Co Ltd has been busy in the area giving Linstone’s homes a smart new appearance.

The main contractor – well known for its support of communities where it carries out its work – will carry out further rendering work for Linstone along with replacing roof tiles on homes in Linwood and Johnstone in the new year.

Shaun Mitchell, Sandyflats Tenants’ and Residents’ Association chairperson, said: “This is a tremendous community achievement. We thought the shop - which is very important to our community - could do with a new look so we’re very grateful to the willingness of everyone to help us make that happen.

“The tree symbolises our ‘unity in the community’ approach as we endeavour to do what we can to support Sandyflats. And during the current health emergency that has never been more important.

“It is vitally important to acknowledge the funding support we received from Renfrewshire Council’s fantastic Retail Improvement Scheme which exists to improve the frontage of retail properties.”

In addition to the painting and rendering, new railings and paving with a ramp outside the store were installed.

Adele Fraser, chief executive of Linstone Housing, said: “Sandyflats is a vibrant community and the residents’ association is to be commended for its initiative. The redecorated shop looks splendid and the tree was an inspiring idea which provides a focal point for the great work being done locally.”

John McIntyre, A. C. Whyte and Co Ltd contracts manager, added: “At A.C. Whyte, we pride ourselves on delivering tangible outcomes for the local community, we have enjoyed working with Linstone Housing Association this year and look forward to continuing our partnership into the new year. The area of Sandyflats is looking fantastic and the sentiment behind the tree mural on the shop is a very important message, we were delighted to be a part of it.”