The John Neilson Institution, known locally as the Porridge Bowl, is another feature in Paisleys’ skyline at the end of Oakshaw West. John Neilson was a Paisley grocer who left half his fortune to form an institution for the education, clothing and maintenance of orphans and impoverished Paisley boys. Built from 1849-1852, inside it contains a statue of the Greek philosopher Diogenes created by local sculpture Alexander Stoddart.
