The name Barrhead comes from the agricultural term 'Barr' meaning long ploughed furrows for cultivating crops. Barrhead was formed when a group of small textile-producing villages grew into one other. The town was a major centre of manufacturing right into the 20th century. Modern Barrhead is a commuter town for Paisley and Glasgow and its close proximity to these places makes its a great place to visit.
Visitors can follow the Barrhead Heritage Trail, three walks which take in 27 historically significant sights around the town of which the oldest is the Arthurlie Cross, a 9th century carved stone. Barrhead sits on the edge of the Gleniffer Braes, a range of hills and park area.
The park provides a variety of activities and sights including walks, play areas and waterfalls as well as stunning panoramic views from the Clyde Valley to Ben Lomond. Dams to Darnley is Scotland's newest country park and covers over 1300 acres between the dams and reservoirs at Barrhead and the village of Darnley. The park contains a seven mile network of paths while the ranger service runs a variety of events throughout the year. Barrhead has a variety of shops and eateries.
Close to the town is Silverburn, one of the largest shopping centres in the UK, and Barrhead Sports Centre offers a range of leisure facilities. Famous faces from Barrhead include Alex McLeish, Scotland's most capped defender, and author Christopher Brookmyre.
Barrhead sits near to the M77 motorway, making it easily accessible by car and it has a railway station which has regular services to Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Stranraer and Carlisle. Local buses services are available which travel from Barrhead to Glasgow and Paisley.