They’re good sports for backing Paisley’s City of Culture bid

THE team running sports and leisure activities in Renfrewshire is backing Paisley’s bid to win City of Culture status in 2021.

Renfrewshire Leisure board members and senior management team backing Paisley City of Culture bid are, from left, Joyce McKellar, Mark Tokeley, Colin Neill, Bob Darracott, Fiona Naylor, Morag Macpherson, Ann Butterfield, Kirsty Devine and John Rodge

Yesterday, board members of Renfrewshire Leisure – the management trust that runs sports, leisure and cultural centres locally – spelled out exactly why they support the bid.

Chief executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, Joyce McKellar said: “We have no doubt that Paisley’s rich heritage allied to the vibrant cultural activities Buddies are presently involved in and the fantastic plans for the future, merit City of Culture status.
“Sport, whether in participating or spectating, plays a huge part in the culture of our town. And we at Renfrewshire Leisure, as providers of sporting and leisure facilities are well aware of the wide variety of activities people are enthusiastically taking part in.
“Our role in delivering a first-class arts and culture service also supports the bid for City of Culture status.
“We’re big supporters of the Paisley City of Culture bid and we’ll do all we can to persuade the powers that be that the town deserves that accolade.”

Renfrewshire Council launched the Paisley for UK City of Culture 2021 campaign to capitalise on their long term regeneration plans for the town – such as the £56.7m flagship museum project and £200m investment in the town centre as part of Glasgow City Region City Deal.

Chair of the Paisley 2021 Partnership Board, Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan, said: “It’s fantastic that Renfrewshire Leisure has publically declared their backing for Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021.
“RLL offer significant support to Paisley’s bid with a packed cultural programme that builds upon Paisley’s contemporary cultural scene, taking place in some of Paisley’s magnificent venues – such as thought-provoking exhibitions in Paisley Museum and spectacular performances in Paisley Arts Centre and Paisley Town Hall.
“Paisley 2021 has already been a journey of self discovery for Paisley and Renfrewshire – the town is realising its ambitions, its self confidence and the profound relationship between culture, health and wellbeing – and that’s thanks to our diverse cultural programme.