The war memorial inside the former Paisley Grammar School is set to be moved to Paisley Abbey, allowing the public to access it more easily.
The plans were discussed at a meeting of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board on Thursday 20th August 2026.
Council officers considered several possible locations after receiving significant interest in the memorial during public tours of the old school.
The memorial has not previously been freely accessible because it was located inside an operational school.
Officers worked with community organisations, Historic Environment Scotland and Paisley Abbey before identifying the Abbey as the preferred location.
The council considered moving the memorial to the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus but concluded that there was no suitable location inside the building.
Its size could obstruct planned teaching areas or fire escape routes, while placing it inside a classroom would result in the loss of educational space.
A specialist craftsman will be required to remove the memorial from the old school and reinstall it at Paisley Abbey.
Gerard McLaughlin told the board that “families who want to see the war memorial will be able to see it six days a week in Paisley Abbey.”
The education report states that separate approval is required from the council’s Planning and Climate Change Policy Board before the memorial can be removed.
Other historic items from the old school, including trophies, a chair, a lectern and the light previously positioned above the memorial, are expected to be displayed at the new campus.
The new £85.5 million Paisley Grammar School Community Campus welcomed pupils for the first time on Thursday 20th August.
Council officers hope to hold its official opening before the October school holiday and may consider a public open event afterwards.