AMIDS South and Glasgow Airport
Renfrewshire Council has kicked off a major transport project called AMIDS South, designed to connect Paisley town centre with the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and improve access to Glasgow Airport. The £59 million plan includes a new bridge, new link roads, and better walking and cycling routes — all aiming to boost business growth and make travel easier for locals.
Of course, while this is good news, most taxpayers are still scratching their heads and asking the same question: why don’t we have a rail link to the airport yet?
What is AMIDS South?
AMIDS South is all about improving transport in and around Paisley while supporting jobs, schools and businesses. The key features include:
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A new road bridge over the White Cart at Paisley Harbour, open to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
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A gateway route from Paisley town centre via Abercorn Street, Harbour Road and Inchinnan Road to AMIDS and Glasgow Airport, with fresh landscaping and cycle paths.
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An east–west link road from Renfrew Road, connecting to the new route and improving access to AMIDS and the upcoming Paisley Grammar School Community Campus.
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The Gallowhill Link, reusing a former railway underpass to give safer crossings for pupils and pedestrians.
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Improved walking and cycling routes along Greenock Road between Inchinnan Business Park and AMIDS.
The Benefits of AMIDS South
According to the council’s business case, AMIDS South could:
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Bring in £136 million of private sector investment.
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Cut carbon emissions by more than 21,700 tonnes.
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Create long-term job opportunities by helping existing businesses expand and attracting new ones.
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Save up to 20 minutes walking time between Gallowhill Road and Inchinnan Road.
With the project due for completion in 2028, construction is being led by Farrans Construction and funded through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund (£38.8m), Renfrewshire Council (£18.8m) and Transport Scotland (£1.5m).
Why It Matters for Paisley
Once complete, AMIDS South will:
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Improve links between Paisley, AMIDS and Glasgow Airport.
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Make it easier to reach West College Scotland and the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus.
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Support businesses by improving access for staff, suppliers and customers.
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Ease congestion in residential areas such as Shortroods.
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Open up the White Cart riverside with better routes and landscaping.
It’s a project that promises to make life easier for people living, working and studying in Renfrewshire.
The Rail Link Question…
But here’s the part where many locals roll their eyes. While AMIDS South is a positive step, there’s still no rail link from Glasgow Central to the airport. Most of Europe’s major cities have one. Instead, we’ve got another road bridge, more landscaping, and the option to shave 20 minutes off a walk across Paisley.
For airport passengers dragging luggage, the thought of an underground extension or direct rail link sounds far more appealing. After all, the M8 already has more cones and queues than anyone cares for, so another road link feels a bit… well, safe.
Final Thoughts
Here at Paisley Autocare, we welcome the improvements that AMIDS South will bring to local transport, jobs and businesses. But if you asked most people what’s really missing, the answer would be simple: “Glasgow needs a rail link to the airport.”
Until then, at least AMIDS South will keep Paisley better connected — just maybe not in the way most travellers would have hoped.
