Major investment set to enhance events, tourism and cultural opportunities across Renfrewshire

Renfrewshire’s communities are set to benefit as over £1million in cultural investment is committed by Councillors.

The money will continue to build on the major cultural investment by the Council in recent years, including a commitment of £350,000 to extend Renfrewshire’s current programme of events through 2028. This comes shortly after Councillors confirmed the dates for 2026’s major events, including area highlights Paisley Halloween Festival and 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 bid through 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 in Muirshiel Country Park in partnership with Glasgow Science Centre, and to undertake a condition survey of the visitor centre at Castle Semple in order to develop options for improvement. 

£120,000 of match funding has 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 space, 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 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.”