There’s been an outpouring of pride across Renfrewshire as Paisley is officially crowned Scotland’s Town of the Year.
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, the Council’s spokesperson for culture and chair of leisure and cultural charity OneRen, said: “Paisley is a town that’s taking its radical past into the future – a vibrant, historic place that is one of the best to live, work and visit.
“This award is for all the Paisley Buddies who can be proud to say Paisley is Scotland’s Town of the Year.”
Elaine Templeton, Chair of Paisley First Business Improvement District (BID) and owner of Taste Buds café, said she was “absolutely buzzing with pride” for the whole town. “The momentum has really started to shift. You see people coming in from all over. Paisley is getting back to being a destination.”
STV weather presenter Sean Batty, who grew up in the town, said: “I love that my hometown is Scotland’s Town of the Year. Like everywhere, there have been challenges over the years, but the town’s entering a new era. In every corner of Paisley there’s something happening right now, which is fantastic to see.”
Kimberley Guthrie, Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, praised the progress being made: “The town is on a remarkable journey of reinvention and rejuvenation. There’s real energy thanks to the creativity, innovation and collaboration which has unlocked investment and renewed confidence.”
Local business owners also shared their pride in the recognition.
Sandy McKelvie from Two Towns Brewing said: “We’re really positive about the future. Paisley’s a good place to live. It’s got good transport links, with independent businesses doing some good stuff. There are definitely better days to come for Paisley.”
Ken MacDonald from Houston Kiltmakers said: “Paisley boasts unique eating places, coffee shops, restaurants and specialist shops. It has Sma’ Shots Cottage, Anchor Mill Museum, the Abbey, Coats venue – so many interesting buildings. The people of Paisley – and the people of Renfrewshire – are fantastic.”
Jim Peacock, Partner at William Phelp’s Butchers on Causeyside Street, said: “Quality local produce is our thing. We really believe in what we’re selling, from local farms. Food miles are important and they don’t get much lower than ours. We’ve got generations of families who come in – you really get to know them.”
Roddy Morrison from Morrison’s Beds added: “We’ve had a very good relationship with the people of Paisley. We look after them, they look after us. Paisley’s a great place – when you think of the history and the architecture, it’s a lovely place to live.”
William Phelp’s Butchers, on Causeyside Street, is celebrating 60 years in business this year.
Jim Peacock, a Partner in the business, has worked there for 38 years and takes pride in sourcing meat from local farms, serving the needs of local people.
He said: Quality local produce is our thing. We really believe in what we’re selling, from local farms. Food miles are important and they don’t get much lower than ours.
“We’ve got generations of families who come in. You really get to know them.”
Paisley’s recognition as Scotland’s Town of the Year has been described by locals as a sign of pride, progress and promise for the future – a celebration of the people who make the town what it is.
Headline photo: Residents were presented with the prize by television presenter and Scotland Loves Local ambassador Sean Batty. He’s pictured celebrating, front, with Paisley First chair Elaine Templeton, flanked by business owners, left to right, Roddy Morrison (Morrison’s Bed Centre), Liz Stewart (Finishing Touches), Ken MacDonald (Houston Kiltmakers), Jim Peacock (Phelps Butchers), Justin Mayes (Summit Outdoors), Sandy McKelvie (Two Doors Down Brewery), Liz McKelvie (Two Doors Down Brewery) and Scott McGinlay (Paisley Pie Company). Picture Angela Catlin / Scotland’s Towns Partnership October 2025