THE GREAT SUMMITS OUTDOORS

A Paisley institution for almost 40 years, Summits Outdoor first launched in the mid-80s on Causeyside Street. Now original owner Alex Mayes’ son Justin is leading the charge at the town’s Moss Street store.

“My father, Alex, loves being outdoors and has brought me up in the same way,” said Justin. “He started doing Munros and climbing back in his late teens and hasn't looked back. Having done the Munros more than twice around, almost half by night and in winter conditions as well, he likes to treat Scotland as his playground.

“With that sort of role model as a kid, it was hard not to become involved in the outdoor lifestyle, especially as I would also be the shop errand boy as a kid too.

“We stock a wide range of outdoor equipment and clothing for all seasonal weather - which in Scotland, can be needed all year round! We stock clothing and footwear brands such as Patagonia, Rab, Mountain Equipment, Montane, Sprayway, Berghaus, Scarpa, Merrell and Dolomite.

“Our main focus is trekking and camping equipment and we stock a huge range with some of our most popular brands including Vango, Outwell, MSR, Force Ten, Wild Country, Snugpak and Terra Nova.

“My mum was also a keen walker and camper so my summers were filled with outdoor holidays and sports so safe to say it is in my blood.

“Being brought up surrounded by my dad running the 3 shops we had - Paisley, Stirling and Dunfermline - it wasn't hard to follow in his footsteps.

“I have learnt a lot along the way with his advice and support and we still work together now to keep the business going.”

“When my dad started Summits he ran it as a winter sports shop that did a bit of summer kit, but climate change has changed us into a summer shop that does a bit of winter,” explained Justin. “Summer holidays, camping and hiking have now taken over and are our busiest time of year.

“We sell quality products that last and hold up in the Scottish weather, nothing cheap that will end up just being thrown into landfill! We also cover a range of winter sports - Skiing, Snowboarding, Winter walking and Ice climbing - and other summer sports which include - water sports, paddleboarding and climbing. We sell what we know works and what we trust!

“We are also now the main supplier for some councils’ Duke of Edinburgh equipment, it’s growing in popularity which means you need good equipment at a good price.

“All of our staff enjoy time in the outdoors. We do staff training trips skiing, hiking and camping out making sure they have a chance to test our products and learn more about them.

“This allows our customers to get real feedback and advice from someone that has used the equipment where it is meant to be used. With that being said, we also know about a lot of other brands and equipment that we do not sell from and if we think that would be more suited to your needs, we advise so and don’t just push anything we may have on you.

“We would rather you had the right kit to enjoy the outdoors even if that means we do not get the sale!”

So where is Justin’s own favourite place in the great outdoors?

“The highlands of Scotland can be special all year round, like sleeping on top of a Munro to watch the sunset above a cloud inversion,” admitted Justin.

“You cannot get better than that, the peace and tranquillity you feel in this modern busy world is still truly unique.”

“Helping customers get the right kit to go out and enjoy their trips is one of the best things about this job,” added Justin.

“When a customer comes back in and tells us about where they went and the advice we gave them on places to see, it is always a joy to know we helped make it that little bit better for them.

“The nice thing about Paisley is there are still a lot of independent retailers, like cafes, restaurants and shops. I can see a lot of work going into tidying it up and hope that with everyone pulling together we can help get it back on its feet.

“We are one of the few independent outdoor shops left nowadays, which is a real shame.

“JD Group now own a lot of our big competitors including Tiso, Go Outdoors, Black and Millets along with their own JD stores.

“This means we are slowly being squashed out of the market but are holding our own and trying to keep our service better and our prices more competitive.

“When you hear about people saying support local business and shop local, you should also take time to look at who is still independent and not owned by some bigger corporation!”

Paisley’s CarFest returns to Paisley town centre on Saturday 17th June with a funfilled day for all the family guaranteed. There will be classic, vintage and specialist custom cars as well as muscle cars and supercars on show from 10am until 4pm.

There’ll be face painting and a balloon modeller as well as a children’s grand prix, bumper cars and a giant Scalextric powered by cycles – and all FREE! Plus, music and market stalls too! Join us for this great day out to help you get in the mood for summer!

We’re getting the school holidays underway with another spectacular BRICKLIVE summer adventure!

This year, we are bringing Mythical Beasts to Paisley town centre – so join us for this Family day out!

Mythical Beasts is an exciting trail that brings the fascinating world of mythological creatures to life using toy bricks with models ranging from satyrs and a mermaid all the way through to a life-sized hydra. Visitors can experience fantastical creatures from myth and legend, getting close-up and personal to huge sculptures of weird and wonderful beasts and beings.

Our Mythical Beasts trail will get underway in Paisley town centre on Saturday 24th June, running every single day until Sunday 13th August.

Love the school holidays? Love Paisley this summer!

Visit our website www.paisleyfirst.com for more details or collect your trail leaflet this summer from the Paisley First leaflet racks at the Piazza Shopping Centre

Sma’ Shot Day is celebrated in Paisley town centre on the first Saturday of each July – this was when weaving families would traditionally take their holiday “doon the watter” –this year’s celebrations will take place on Saturday 1 July. The festival marks the famous 1856 victory of the local weavers in an industrial dispute – revolving around payment for one small unseen but crucial stitch, the “sma’ shot” which bound together the colourful shawls for which the town was world famous. The ever-popular Sma’ Shot Parade is back with much of the entertainment taking place throughout the day at

We’ve also got some exciting plans for this autumn and winter with some great Christmas activities lined up!

Check out www.paisleyfirst.com for details of all our events, check out our What’s On calendar or follow us on social media and don’t forget to pick up the autumn/winter edition of our Love Paisley magazine for more information.

Abbey Close on the Main Stage with free children’s activities including face-painting, balloon-modelling, inflatables and arts & crafts available all afternoon at Abbey Gardens.

Not forgetting of course, the traditional burning of the cork!

The Sma’ Shot Feel Good Fair will be taking place in the Art Department from 11am-4pm with live music on offer at Sma’ Shot Day at The Bungalow from 12noon. For more details, check out www.paisley.is