Paisley is Scotland’s Town of the Year

“Incredibly special things are happening in Paisley”

Paisley has been named Scotland’s Town of the Year in recognition of its ambitious regeneration and community-led transformation.

The award, organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership, celebrates the towns across Scotland that are leading the way in creating vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities and the judges awarded the title after being impressed by the critical point reached in the town’s “resurgence” following unprecedented investment in its future.

Paisley’s new title reflects the scale and impact of Renfrewshire Council’s ongoing investment in the town’s cultural and civic infrastructure, which is helping to reshape its future and attract new visitors, residents and businesses.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, the Council’s spokesperson for culture and chair of leisure and cultural charity OneRen, said: “Paisley is a town that’s taking its radical past into the future – a vibrant, historic place that is one of the best to live, work and visit.

“This award is really exciting. For us as a council, it’s recognition of the extensive work we’ve been delivering for almost a decade, as we put culture at the heart of our regeneration.

“What has been incredibly important is the people that have come with us on the journey. We’ve worked closely with communities, residents and businesses and they’ve put their faith in the work we’ve done to revitalise the town.

“It’s an incredible place, one we should all be proud to be part of. This award is for all the Paisley Buddies who can be proud to say Paisley is Scotland’s Town of the Year.”

Recent regeneration projects include the £22million transformation of Paisley Town Hall, a £7million redevelopment of Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub on the High Street, and a £3million refurbishment of Paisley Arts Centre.

Next year, Paisley Museum – Scotland’s largest cultural heritage project – will reopen as a world-class visitor destination and the new £85.5 million state-of-the-art Paisley Grammar School Community Campus will open its doors to pupils and staff.

In addition, a multi-phase regeneration masterplan is underway in Paisley’s West End to delivering new social and private housing and improved public spaces, while Ferguslie Park regeneration continues through the community-led ‘Making of Ferguslie’ plan.

Elaine Templeton, Paisley First Business Improvement District (BID) Chair and owner of Taste Buds cafe, said: “As someone who was brought up, went to school and has a business in Paisley I’m absolutely buzzing with pride for the whole town. It feels like the culmination of so much of what’s happening.

“We have the opening of the museum next year with lots of great cultural things happening – but there’s also other regeneration. There are new businesses, housing in the town centre, the whole of the West End has been regenerated – many different things.

“The momentum in the town has really started to shift. You see people coming in from all over. Paisley is getting back to being a destination. It’s exciting.”

STV weather presenter Sean Batty is a Paisley Buddie who grew up in the town and the Scotland Loves Local ambassador said: “I love that my hometown is Scotland’s Town of the Year.

“Like everywhere, there have been challenges over the years, but the town’s entering a new era. In every corner of Paisley there’s something happening right now, which is fantastic to see.”

Paisley had been shortlisted alongside Blairgowrie & Rattray (Perth & Kinross) and Newton Stewart (Dumfries & Galloway). Last year’s winner was Oban, Argyll and Bute.

Kimberley Guthrie, Chief Officer of awards organisers Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), said: “Incredibly special things are happening in Paisley.

“The town is on a remarkable journey of reinvention and rejuvenation which has evolved over the past decade, kickstarted by major cultural regeneration. There’s real energy thanks to the creativity, innovation and collaboration which has unlocked investment and renewed confidence.

“This is a place where new businesses want to be – where people want to live and visit. It has a unique story and character. It has a fascinating past. But it is also forging a new future. While so much has been achieved, the most exciting thing about Paisley is that there is so much more to come. I’m delighted that it’s our Town of the Year. What’s happening here can inspire so many others.”

Details about all of the winners at the Scotland Loves Local Awards can be found at www.lovelocal.scot with information on Paisley available at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/paisley.