Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer says the weaving industry may be gone but it is still entwined in the heritage of the town from the artifacts in the town hall to the street names.

Mr Greer says the bid promotes the town around the country and he feels for any judge who votes against the town when SNP MSP George Adam catches up with them.

He says Paisley already has all the attributes of a city. 

Image source, bbc

Conservative MSP Jamie Greene says Santa also loves Paisley.

Mr Greene goes on to congratulate George Adam for bringing this debate to the parliament. 

He says: "Paisley must be considered as a city of spirit and courage."

Scottish Labour MSP Mary Fee says she is proud to support Paisley's bid. 

Ms Fee says St Mirren established the town's settlement.

The Scottish Labour MSP says the locals take great pride in the town.

She says Paisley has a heritage of strong women with a "notorious rebellions side".

"Keep your eyes on Paisley," she says, quoting former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. 

A pride of 25 fibre glass lions are on the loose in Paisley.

They were installed to promote the town's heritage as part of its bid to be UK City of Culture 2021.

Project director Jean Cameron told the BBC the involvement of local people working with artists reflected what the next city of culture should be.

SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson thanks his "fellow buddy" for bringing this debate to parliament. 

Mr Gibson says: "It has scientifically proven that Paisley is the centre of the universe".

Image source, bbc

He says his "twin Gerard Butler" is also from the town.

Mr Gibson says the town's founder is St Mirren and it is also the name of the local football team who, with all going well, may be in line to win the Scottish Championship League One by 2018, he says.

In 2021 the UK will get its third City of Culture. Paisley is one of six cities hoping to kick-start regeneration through culture.

Paisley used to be a wealthy place, though to look at the town's High Street you wouldn't believe it.

It boasts an M&S and a WH Smith and a handful of other chain stores among the charity shops, but precious few shoppers. Half the shop fronts stand empty.

Yet at one end there's a fine neoclassical town hall and an equally fine medieval abbey church, and an imposing war memorial featuring a mounted crusader knight and steel-helmeted tommies. Up the hill at the top end is a handsome museum.  

Read more here. 

Tory MSP Maurice Golden says Paisley deserves the award for numerous reasons.

Mr Golden says:"Paisley not only deserves the award but needs it."

He says Scotland stands to benefit from Paisley becoming the UK City of Culture in 2021.

SNP MSP Joan McAlpine says she welcomes the bid's aim to help with the poverty and inequality issue.

Ms McAlpine says the award would enrich the lives of "many Paisley buddies".

Mr Adam talks to the artists and notable people from the town who have benefited from its amenities.

"It's not our fault the weather isn't good," he says.

The SNP MSP says the bid is about telling people about the town but also the people in it.

Image source, bbc

He says he met his wife Stacey there and raised a family.

At this point he says that his notes say "don't greet". 

Presiding Officer Christine Granhame says "do your notes say conclude."

Mr Adam finishes there and Ms Grahame says "thank you Mr Paisley."

Image source, Renfrewshire Council

Paisley is bidding to be UK City of Culture 2021, external, even though it is actually a large town.

As 19th Century Tory prime minister Benjamin Disraeli once warned: "Keep your eye on Paisley."

Here are 10 reasons Paisley has made its mark on the culture of Scotland, the UK and the world.

Supporting Paisley's bid, SNP MSP George Adam says:

• Paisley town centre has over 100 listed buildings, which is second only to Edinburgh
• the 850-year-old abbey is the final resting place of six High Stewards of Scotland, Princess Marjory Bruce and the wives of kings Robert II and III
• its cathedral is the largest Baptist church in Europe
• is the birthplace of John Byrne, Paulo Nutini, Robert Tannahill, Gerry Rafferty, Gerard Butler and Archie Gemmill

Mr Adam says everyone must get behind Paisley 2021.

He says the reason is the cultural regeneration can change the world view of his home town.

Mr Adam points out that Paisley town centre has over 100 listed buildings, which, he says, is second only to Edinburgh.

Image source, Paisley Abbey gargoyle

The SNP MSP highlights the 850-year-old abbey, which lies in the heart of the town and is the final resting place of six High Stewards of Scotland, Princess Marjory Bruce and the wives of kings Robert II and III.

It may be ancient but one of the gargoyles looks like it is out of this world.

SNP MSP George Adam says: "Let me talk about a town called Paisley."

Mr Adam says he was born and bred there and rarely mentions the town!

He says he wants everyone to understand the positive Paisley vision that he and his Buddies have.

Paisley is bidding to become UK City of Culture in 2021.

In June last year, Renfrewshire Council said the bid was part of "far-reaching regeneration plans...to put the town on the map as a cultural and tourist destination".

Image source, UNDOSCOVERED SCOTLAND

Although Paisley does not have city status, the competition is open to large towns and urban areas.

The competition is run by the UK government's department of culture media and sport. 

Derry-Londonderry was the first city to host the title in 2013.

SNP MSP George Adam will now lead a debate on Paisley for City of Culture 2021.

Here is his motion. 

Image source, Scottish Parliament