Coordinates: 55°47′05″N 4°25′24″W / 55.784663, -4.423396
Neilston is a village within East Renfrewshire, Scotland. It is around 2 miles (3.2 km) southwest of Barrhead, and 5.5 miles (9 km) south of Paisley, lying at the southwestern edge of the Greater Glasgow conurbation.
Mentioned in documents in as early as the 12th century, the development of Neilston coincided largely with the Industrial Revolution. Prior to the coming of textile industry around the middle of the 18th century, this former milling village was made up mainly of a series of single-storey houses, many of them thatched, with Neilston Parish Church at the centre of the community.
Although industry declined during the latter half of the 20th century, the population has continued to grow as a commuting community,

History
The origin of the name of Neilston is a subject of speculation, and has been accounted for in various ways by local toponymists.

Toponymy
Possibly the earliest mention of the Parish of Neilston is in the documents dealing with the foundation of the Clunic Monastery in Paisley (1163) as the original chapel was answerable to Rome via the Clunic Movement.

Industrial Revolution and cotton
The "Neilston Show" is a Cattle Show held close to the village on the first Saturday of every May with a tradition stretching back more than 170 years. It began life as a result of a dispute between two farmers from the village. Both of the farmers had a prized bull that each said was better than the others. In a bid to settle the argument, the farmers arranged a contest that would be judged by the other farmers in the area. It is not documented who had the best bull, but the contest grew into an annual event that has continued as a local custom.

Neilston Show
Lying within the county boundaries of Renfrewshire from a very early time, from 1845 until 1975, Neilston formed its own parish.
During 1975 to 1996, Neilston was within the regional council area of Strathclyde, and since 1996 has formed part of the East Renfrewshire council area.
Neilston remains part of Renfrewshire for purposes of registration and Lieutenancy.

Governance
At 55°47′4″N, 4°25′24″W (55.784663, -4.423396) Neilston lies 430 feet (131 m) feet above sea-level, 2 miles (3.2 km) southwest of Barrhead, 5.5 miles (8.9 km) south of Paisley, and 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Glasgow. The chief river is the Levern, which has its source in Loch Long, and for a few miles divides parts of the area, passing the villages of Neilston and town of Barrhead, and uniting its waters with those of the White Cart Water.

Geography
Neilston Parish Church was first recorded in 1163 in a charter of Paisley Abbey. It was built by Norman Knight, Sir Robert de Croc, as part of a feudal requirement by the High Steward of Scotland, Walter fitz Alan. The church today is part of the Church of Scotland.

Landmarks
Neilston railway station, which serves the village, is the terminus of one branch of the Cathcart Circle Line from Glasgow Central station. Neilston Low was a railway station in the locality which closed in 1966.

Transport

Education
A feeder Catholic primary school, for St. Luke's High School in Barrhead.

St Thomas' Primary School
A feeder primary school, for Barrhead High School in Barrhead and Eastwood High School in Newton Mearns.

Neilston Primary School

Sports
Across yon dreary moor, When tired and lame, a boy there came, Up to a farmer's door, "Can you tell me if theres anyone here, And one that will me employ," To plough and sow, to reap and mow, And be a farmer's boy, And be a farmer's boy?
This is usually sung at local football games.