The Preshal Trust Story
Preshal – the Gaelic word for “precious” – reflects how we see everyone walking through our doors.
Since its beginnings, The Preshal Trust has been rooted in compassion. We work to break the cycle of social exclusion in Linthouse, Glasgow, and, more recently, Paisley.
We continue to evolve through friendship, faith, and practical support, offering hope, dignity, and a caring community. Discover our journey
(Pictured founders May Nicholson and MacIain Service, with supporter Sir Alex Fergusson)
A Spark of Hope: How It All Began
The Preshal Trust started with a simple act of kindness. Our founder, May Nicholson, understood the struggles of poverty and addiction firsthand.
Determined to help, she asked a local minister for the use of his church hall. With just a kettle and a toaster, she began offering tea and toast to the homeless, those battling addiction, and people facing isolation.
What started as a warm meal soon became a place of refuge. As word spread, more people came, and it became clear this was more than just a temporary effort—it was the start of something life-changing.
A New Home for the Preshal Trust
As demand grew, The Preshal Trust needed a permanent home. After a year, we secured our first building, but raising funds wasn’t easy.
Through faith, determination, and generous support, we raised £50,000 to secure the premises. With a dedicated space, we expanded our services, introducing cooking classes, literacy support, arts, digital skills, and addiction recovery meetings.
Each new service gave people more than skills—it restored confidence and dignity. As we grew, we secured a purpose-built facility, reaching even more families in need.
Our Current Building
The building we operate from today was opened in 2013 by Her Grace the Duchess of Montrose, pictured here with our founders, May Nicholson and MacIain Service, it symbolises hope and transformation.
The original building was demolished, and this new centre was only made possible thanks to a major fundraising appeal.
We’ve since expanded into Paisley, continuing our mission to bring care, support, and connection to more people.
A heartfelt thank you to all our supporters—your generosity helps us grow and continue changing lives every day.