By Edel Kenealy
Copyright dailyrecord
Paisley has been shortlisted for the prestigious Scotland Loves Local Town of the Year Award. 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. Paisley’s nomination reflects the scale and impact of Renfrewshire Council’s ongoing investment in the town’s cultural and civic infrastructure. Amongst initiatives highlighted is Paisley Town Hall, Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub, Paisley Arts Centre, Paisley Museum and Paisley Grammar Community Campus. Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “Paisley’s nomination for Scotland’s Town of the Year is a fantastic recognition of the continuing work being done to transform our town and make it an inviting place to live, work and visit. “We’re proud of the investment that Renfrewshire Council has made in our cultural venues, schools and communities – and we’ll continue to do all we can to create a Paisley we can continue to be proud of. “This is a town with a rich heritage and a bold vision for the future, and we’re delighted to see that being recognised nationally.” The shortlisting comes just weeks after the local authority was named Overall Council of the Year for Service Delivery at the Association for Public Service Excellence Awards. It too recognised its commitment to regenerating Paisley Town Centre with the £22 million investment in Paisley Town Hall as part of efforts to make it one of Scotland’s finest entertainment venues, with state-of-the-art performance spaces, improved accessibility, and restored Victorian architecture. The learning and cultural hub — which has received many architectural and design awards — saw a £7m redevelopment of a vacant High Street unit into a modern, digitally-connected home for Paisley Central Library, featuring a children’s storytelling area, community rooms, and a book-inspired façade. Paisley Arts Centre has also undergone a £3m revamp. The venue is now one of the country’s top small arts venues, offering enhanced facilities for performers and audiences, a new café and bar, retractable seating, and improved accessibility. The award judges have also taken into account projects which are currently underway in Paisley as part of the shortlisting process. The biggest amongst those is Paisley Museum, currently Scotland’s largest cultural heritage project. The redevelopment will double gallery space, improve accessibility, and showcase Paisley’s globally significant collections. Paisley Grammar School Community Campus has also been highlighted for its ambition to deliver a school campus which features sports pitches, a 300-seat theatre, and community facilities. The mass regenerations underway in Ferguslie Park and Paisley’s West End have also showcased the local authority’s commitment to housing and neighbourhood renewal. Kimberley Guthrie, chief officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: “As part of Scotland Loves Local we are celebrating the fact that people make places. “The high standard of nominations received for this year’s Scotland Loves Local Awards stand testament to that. They showcase the innovation, collaboration and determination which is shaping a better future for communities across Scotland. “Well done to all of the places and projects shortlisted — and all of the people involved. Each of them has a great story to tell about local action improving local lives.” Paisley is joined by Blairgowrie and Rattray in Perth & Kinross, and Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway on the shortlist. The winners of the Scotland Loves Local Awards 2025 will be announced in October. Don’t miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – you can sign up to our free daily newsletter here
