Renfrewshire’s communities are set to benefit as more than £1 million in cultural investment has been committed by councillors.
The funding will build on the council’s major cultural investment in recent years, including £350,000 to extend Renfrewshire’s programme of events through to 2028. This comes shortly after councillors confirmed the dates for 2026’s major events, including highlights such as Paisley Halloween Festival, Paisley Food and Drink Festival and the return of the popular Johnstone Fire Engine Rally.
An additional £100,000 will support the delivery of a Johnstone Criterium cycling event in partnership with Johnstone Wheelers Cycling Club in 2027, subject to a successful bid to Scottish Cycling.
Councillors also committed £480,000 to fund a two-year visitor marketing campaign and enhanced events support.
Leader of Renfrewshire Council, Councillor Iain Nicolson, said: “Renfrewshire has firmly established itself as a key destination on Scotland’s events map and we know the positive impact great local events have on people’s lives.
“In 2025 we committed additional funding to work with local communities to deliver a calendar of cultural events for the area’s five main town centres. By further extending the events programme through 2028 and committing to additional cultural investment across the region we will see continued benefit for Renfrewshire, bringing footfall to our towns and villages and connecting residents and visitors to all the great experiences Renfrewshire has to offer.”
Additional funding has also been allocated to explore the potential for a Dark Sky Park at Muirshiel Country Park in partnership with Glasgow Science Centre, and to undertake a condition survey of the visitor centre at Castle Semple to help develop options for improvement.
£120,000 of match funding has also been committed to the next phase of PACE Theatre Company’s Exchange Theatre project. Once completed, the facility on Old Sneddon Street will include spaces for creative learning, a small studio theatre, an interactive sensory play space, workshop space, a community hub and a family-friendly café.
Professor Sandro Carnicelli from the University of the West of Scotland and chair of the Renfrewshire Tourism Leadership Group said: “I’m delighted to see Renfrewshire Council’s strong commitment to developing the region as a diverse and attractive destination.
“This investment will play an important role in strengthening the local economy, supporting not only our historic towns but also rural communities and country parks. Sharing Renfrewshire’s story will ensure continued growth of the area as a vibrant place to visit, benefiting local businesses, communities and the wider regional economy.”