Bounded by the City of Glasgow and Renfrewshire to the north, North Ayrshire to the west, South Lanarkshire to the east, and East Ayrshire to the south, East Renfrewshire's main towns of Clarkston, Barrhead, Giffnock and Newton Mearns grew dramatically after World War II and all are amongst the largest 50 towns in Scotland.
There are several lochs and reservoirs in the council area including Bannan Loch and Long Loch; rivers which pass through or act as a border include White Cart Water and Earn Water. Its highest point is Corse Hill (376 m / 1234 feet).
East Renfrewshire is the sixth smallest council area in size, the ninth smallest in population, and the tenth highest in density, with 71 per cent of its land devoted to agriculture, most of which is improved grassland. About one sixth of its territory is developed, primarily for urban use.
East Renfrewshire was created in 1996 as part of the Local Government reorganisation. Its area is the same as the earlier East Renfrewshire District Council (part of the pre-1996 Strathclyde Region) which was itself created in 1975 from a part of the old Renfrewshire County.
(1996) Prehistoric Renfrewshire. Papers in honour of Frank Newall.
(1973) Excursion Guide to the Geology of the Glasgow District.
(1975) The County of Renfrew, The Third Statistical Account of Scotland.
(1818) A General Description of the Shire of Renfrew.
(1995) Exploring Scotland's Heritage: Glasgow, Clydeside and Stirling.
(1986) South Clyde Estuary: An Illustrated Architectural Guide to Inverclyde and Renfrew.