The Duke of Gloucester officially opened the Finding Your Feet Charity Hub Garden in Paisley on Wednesday 23rd September 2026. The garden was created from a neglected space beneath the railway arches behind the Hub.
The Duke was received by Colonel Peter T McCarthy, Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, and shown around by the charity’s founder, Dr Cor Hutton MBE BCAc DL.
Work on Tony’s garden at 25 St James Street in Paisley began in 2022. Finding Your Feet says volunteers, community members and other charities based at the Hub helped shape it. The charity shares the building and garden with 15 other organisations.
The garden has wheelchair-friendly paths, planting, seating and features to encourage wildlife. The arches have power and Wi-Fi. A new podcast and tech studio is also available to groups at the Hub.
Renfrewshire Council provided grant funding, Mazars made a donation and Network Rail provided the space. The garden is now used for outdoor clubs, creative sessions and wellbeing activities, as well as by other local groups.
During his visit, the Duke watched an exercise class and a music session. He visited the studio, joined a craft group and met volunteers who make hospital visits and check-in calls. He unveiled a plaque to mark the opening.
Trooper David Lauder, who had shown the Duke his diamond art, gave him a handmade piece.
Dr Hutton said: “We’ve been working up to this day for a few years now and it’s so nice to get recognition of our work from The Duke of Gloucester and to add this huge garden and outdoor activities space to complement our charity hub building. Everything in the garden and the refurbishment has been donated, blagged or worked on by volunteers so that other Finding Your Feet donations and grants are reserved purely for supporting amputees.
“It is so well used by our Troopers, the other charities, tenants and guests and everyone has added a little bit of fun to improve the area. It’s been a true community project. Thanks to everyone involved.”
Alex, a Finding Your Feet Trooper, said: “Great outdoor space that suits amputees of all abilities with plenty seating and areas for quiet reflection if people so desire.”
Photo: Guests gather in the Finding Your Feet Charity Hub Garden in Paisley.
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet
Photo: The Duke of Gloucester watches a craft group during his visit.
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet
Photo: A musician performs for a group in the garden.
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet
Photo: The Duke of Gloucester greets Finding Your Feet founder Dr Cor Hutton during his visit to the garden.
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet
Photo: The garden before, during and after its transformation.
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet
Photo: The Duke of Gloucester joins people at a craft table.
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet
Photo: from left: Finding Your Feet founder Dr Cor Hutton, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and Johanna Baxter MP
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet
Photo: From left: Finding Your Feet founder Dr Cor Hutton, the Duke of Gloucester, Johanna Baxter MP and Colonel Peter T McCarthy, Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, in the charity’s garden.
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet
Photo: A path runs through the garden beneath the railway arches.
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet
Photo: Paths and planting beside the railway arches at the Finding Your Feet garden.
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet
Photo: The Finding Your Feet garden beside the railway arches.
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet
Photo: Colourful decorations on a fence in the garden.
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet
Photo: A bench and mural beneath one of the railway arches.
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet
Photo: A covered seating area and path in the completed garden.
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet
Photo: The space behind the Finding Your Feet Charity Hub before work on the garden.
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet
Photo: The paved area and railway arches in the completed garden.
Photo Credit: Finding Your Feet