John Neilson Institution

 

John Neilson Institution

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.