Derek Mackay MSP Comments – UK City of Culture 2021 Result

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Comment from Renfrewshire North & West MSP and Finance Secretary Derek Mackay on UK City of Culture 2021 result.

Renfrewshire North & West MSP Derek Mackay said:

“While I am disappointed Paisley has not won, everyone involved should be very proud of the bid presented.

“The bid has captured the imagination of local people, with local businesses reporting increased footfall and sales. Despite the clear disappointment, it is important we take the positives from the bid campaign and build on the wonderful work already done.”

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Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has said that the whole of Paisley should feel proud despite not securing the title of UK City of Culture.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announced on the BBC’s One Show last night that Coventry had secured the title of UK City of Culture 2021.

The Member of Parliament for Paisley and Renfrewshire North had played an active part in the Paisley 2021 campaign, regularly raising the issue at Westminster, including hosting a parliamentary function in the House of Commons, as well as bringing together all of Scotland’s Westminster-based politicians in support of the Paisley 2021 campaign.

Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:

“Even though I am bitterly disappointed that Paisley has not been named as the UK City of Culture, losing out at the final stages, I couldn’t be more proud of the journey that our town has been on in the past two years.

“This journey has brought Paisley together and given Buddies a sense of pride in their town once again. At the start of this process we were rank outsiders and no one gave our town a chance. Well, the Paisley campaign shocked everyone, we caught the imagination of people throughout the UK and came within a whisker of winning this competition.

“Paisley’s campaign doesn’t end here, the momentum built up must continue regardless of today’s decision. Paisley Buddies will still continue to make their mark on the international stage, showing the world how great our town is.”

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Mhairi Black MP commented:

“Unfortunately Paisley was unsuccessful in securing the title of UK City of Culture in 2021. As saddened as I am by this, the enthusiasm that has captured the town over the last two years must not be forgotten. We will continue to show that Paisley is a vibrant, exciting and cultured town with lots to offer.

“Paisley may have been seen an underdog in the competition but we punched above our weight to reach the late stages of the process. We have engaged people throughout the UK with the Paisley 2021 bid and we must continue with the enthusiasm we have shown going forward. Paisley is a fantastic town with innovative people, be proud Paisley.”

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