Paisley named Town of the Year for 'remarkable' revival

Paisley is Scotland's biggest town, with a population of 77,000

Paisley has been named Scotland's 'Town of the Year' in recognition of its "remarkable" revival.

The Renfrewshire town's high street has been badly hit by online shopping, out-of-town retail parks and most recently, the cost of living crisis.

But judges for the Scotland Loves Local awards praised Paisley for reaching a "critical point" in its transformation, driven by major investment and cultural renewal.

The accolade comes as Paisley prepares for the reopening of its museum next year, alongside the construction of a new £85.5m secondary school and significant housing developments.

Paisley is Scotland's largest town, with a population of just over 77,000 people. Its residents are famously known as Buddies.

The town became prominent in the 12th Century with the establishment of Paisley Abbey.

It transformed into an industrial town in the 18th Century through its textiles mills, exporting products all over the world.

Paisley gained global fame in the fashion and design world through the Paisley pattern - the tear-drop shaped design first used as part of the Paisley weavers' shawls.

The design has been worn by an array of fashionable figures, from Queen Victoria to David Bowie.

David Bowie was among the famous figures to sport the Paisley pattern

Paisley's town centre was once a bustling place, and still has two shopping malls within 200 yards (160 metres) of each other.

One of them, the Paisley Centre, was opened by Princess Diana in 1992.

But the opening of Braehead Shopping Centre in 1999 marked a shift in shoppers' relationships with the high street.

Town centres, including Paisley, were significantly affected - businesses closed, units were left vacant and footfall dropped.

The trend continued with the arrival of Silverburn in nearby Pollok in 2007.

Another disappointment came in 2017 when Paisley was beaten by Coventry for City of Culture - a UK government title which can generate millions for the local economy.

Its bid was part of a wider plan to transform the town's future.

Renfrewshire Council made a four-pronged investment in an attempt to increase visitors, including work on the town hall, the town's arts centre and a new library.

It also included a major revamp of Paisley Museum, which is expected to open next year - four years later than planned and with a total budget of just over £65m.

But judges say Paisley is seeing the benefits of those efforts.

About 20 new independent businesses have opened in the town this year alone.

Paisley also now hosts annual events such as a Food and Drink Festival, CarFest, and a two-day Halloween Festival.

'Vibrant, historic place'

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes said Paisley is a vibrant and historic town

Organised by Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP), the Scotland Loves Local awards recognise the nation's towns and neighbourhoods.

Blairgowrie and Rattray in Perthshire and Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway were also shortlisted for the prize.

Last year's winner was Oban in Argyll and Bute.

Kimberley Guthrie, Chief Officer of Scotland's Towns Partnership, said: "Incredibly special things are happening in Paisley. The town is on a remarkable journey of reinvention and rejuvenation, kickstarted by major cultural regeneration.

"There's real energy thanks to creativity, innovation and collaboration. This is a place where new businesses want to be – where people want to live and visit."

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes added: "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."