Paisley has been named Scotland’s Town of the Year, recognising the town’s ambitious regeneration and community-led transformation that is reshaping its future.
The award, organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership, celebrates the towns across Scotland that are leading the way in creating vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities. Judges awarded Paisley the title after being impressed by the critical point reached in the town’s “resurgence” following unprecedented investment in its future.
Paisley’s new title reflects the scale and impact of Renfrewshire Council’s ongoing investment in the town’s cultural and civic infrastructure, which is helping to attract new visitors, residents and businesses.
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 really exciting. For us as a council, it’s recognition of the extensive work we’ve been delivering for almost a decade, as we put culture at the heart of our regeneration.
“What has been incredibly important is the people that have come with us on the journey. We’ve worked closely with communities, residents and businesses and they’ve put their faith in the work we’ve done to revitalise the town.
“It’s an incredible place, one we should all be proud to be part of. This award is for all the Paisley Buddies who can be proud to say Paisley is Scotland’s Town of the Year.”
Recent regeneration projects include the £22million transformation of Paisley Town Hall, a £7million redevelopment of the Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub on the High Street, and a £3million refurbishment of Paisley Arts Centre.
Next year will see the reopening of Paisley Museum – Scotland’s largest cultural heritage project – as a world-class visitor destination, alongside the launch of the new £85.5million state-of-the-art Paisley Grammar School Community Campus.
In addition, a multi-phase regeneration masterplan is underway in the town’s West End, creating new social and private housing and improved public spaces, while community-led regeneration continues in Ferguslie Park through the ‘Making of Ferguslie’ plan.
Elaine Templeton, Chair of Paisley First Business Improvement District (BID) and owner of Taste Buds café, said: “As someone who was brought up, went to school and has a business in Paisley, I’m absolutely buzzing with pride for the whole town. The momentum has really started to shift and Paisley is getting back to being a destination. It’s exciting.”
STV weather presenter and Paisley Buddie Sean Batty added: “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 and in every corner of Paisley there’s something happening right now, which is fantastic to see.”
Paisley was shortlisted alongside Blairgowrie & Rattray in Perth and Kinross, and Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway. Last year’s winner was Oban in Argyll and Bute.
More information about the Scotland Loves Local Awards can be found at www.lovelocal.scot and details on Paisley’s regeneration are available at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/paisley.
Headline photo: Paisley – Cllr Lisa-Marie Hughes