Paisley launches 'Hollywood-style' Buddie Walk of Fame featuring Paolo Nutini and David Tennant

Paisley has unveiled the first stones on its very own “Hollywood-style” Walk of Fame celebrating the famous faces from the area.

Scotland’s largest town is honouring its famous “Buddies” with square plaques placed on important landmarks on the Buddie Walk of Fame.

Residents voted for who they wanted to see on the first ten stones of the project which includes the likes of Phyllis Logan, David Tennant and Paolo Nutini.

Tennant, whose plaque can be found on Glasgow Road, said he was “honoured” to be included in the trail and thanked those who voted for him.

David Tennant, who's plaque can be found on Glasgow Road, said he was 'honoured' to be included in the trail. — David Tennant, who’s plaque can be found on Glasgow Road, said he was ‘honoured’ to be included in the trail. PA Media

“I’m proud to have attended Paisley Grammar and I’m delighted that my star is being unveiled outside my old school.

“I have some great memories of my time at the Grammar, and I will make a point of visiting the spot when I am next in the town”, the actor said.

Playwright John Byrne, who passed away in November last year, will also be honoured with a plaque outside the Paisley library.

Celie Byrne, daughter of John, at his stone. Photograph by Martin Shields. Supplied

Celie Byrne, John’s daughter, said: “My dad was approached by Natalie at Paisley First about the project before he passed away and as a voracious reader and lover of books and stories, he requested that his stone be outside the new library.

“I think he’d have been blown away by this tribute to him in his hometown. It’s a great place for his fans to visit and he’s in good company, along with Gerry, Paolo, Tom, Phyllis and the other Buddies.”

Actor, Tom Conti, whose plaque can be found outside the newly refurbished Paisley Arts Centre, on New Street said: “Well, well. Paisley versus Hollywood Boulevard but without the hands.

“It’s very nice to be remembered in this way.

“Paisley has punched above its weight in producing successful people. I wish all ‘buddies’ well.”

Norrie Sweeney pictured with the boxers he taught at his gym in Paisley. Supplied

Elaine Templeton, chair, Paisley First, said: “We were inundated with nominations for the Buddie Walk of Fame, but the people of Paisley made it clear that these were the favourites to be celebrated in this first phase.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors, from all over the world, to follow the trail and enjoy everything our town has to offer.

“The Buddie Walk of Fame truly is the perfect to celebrate the achievements of Buddies the world over and help inspire a younger generation to achieve their dreams.”

The trail will also reflect on the town’s rich heritage and features key landmarks and will run throughout Paisley First BID area.

Buddie Walk of Fame – where to find the new plaques

John Byrne, outside Paisley Library, High Street
Gerry Rafferty, outside The Bungalow music venue on Shuttle Street
Tom Conti, outside newly refurbished Paisley Arts Centre, on New Street
Paolo Nutini, outside Castelvecchi, his parent’s chip shop, on New Street
Phyllis Logan, on Causeyside Street, outside Phelps Butchers
David Tennant, on Glasgow Road, close to his former school, Paisley Grammar
Gerard Butler, outside The Exchange – on Old Sneddon Street – soon to be Scotland’s first purpose-built Youth Theatre
Actor Fulton Mackay, on Gilmour Street, near the train station
Local boxing legend, Norrie Sweeney, on Storie Street, close to his old boxing gym
Paisley’s Mill Girls will have a stone situated on Bridge Street, overlooking the old mill with landmarks, Paisley Abbey and Paisley Town Hall in the background

A trail guide will be downloadable from Paisley First’s website.