Paisley crowned Scotland's town of the year

Paisley has been named Scotland’s Town of the Year after judges praised the town’s “resurgence”.

The honour was announced on Friday at the Scotland Loves Local Awards, with the Renfrewshire town recognised for reaching a “critical point” in its transformation.

Several major cultural projects are nearing completion, including the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus and the refurbished Paisley Museum.

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, kick-started 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.”

STV Weather Presenter and proud Paisley “Buddie” Sean Batty joined community champions to celebrate the win.

The Scotland Loves Local ambassador said: “I love that my home town 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.”

Around 20 new independent and locally-owned businesses have opened in the town so far this year, as confidence continues to grow.

Paisley First Business Improvement District (BID) has played a major role in supporting local enterprises and attracting visitors through a packed calendar of events, including the Food and Drink Festival, CarFest, summer brick trails, and festive celebrations.

The town’s two-day Halloween Festival also kicks off on Friday

Elaine Templeton, BID Chair and owner of Taste Buds café, 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 – and there are 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.”

The other finalists for Town of the Year were Blairgowrie and Rattray in Perth and Kinross, and Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway.