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Paisley Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History

    The town of Paisley gave its name to the famous teardrop or tadpole shape pattern that is often associated with Indian textiles. The pattern became known as paisley in the 19th century as the town became the centre of production for fashionable shawls bearing the motif. Paisley is also well known for shipbuilding and engineering. After these industries went into decline, the b...Read morelending and bottling of whisky became a big industry for the area. Read less

  • 2. Now

    Paisley is seven miles west of Glasgow and is in the county of Renfrewshire. The town centre is currently the subject of a major long-term transformation, which is being carried out by the Paisley Vision Board – a partnership between private, public and voluntary sector stakeholders and Renfrewshire Council. Student life is a big part of the town as it is home to a campus ...Read moreof the University of the West of Scotland. The campus covers over 20 acres and has over 10,000 students. Read less

  • 3. Events

    The annual Paisley 10k Road Race takes place in August and attracts hundreds of runners of all ages. The event also includes a fun run and many other activities, and is organised by Renfrewshire Council. The Two Rivers Rock Festival is a free music event that usually takes place at the end of August. This festival provides a platform for local bands and the performances take p...Read morelace in a range of venues across the town. The Paisley Pipe Band Competition is held in the town centre in July and includes a procession of bands through the town centre. This event is an important fixture on Scotland’s annual piping calendar. Read less

  • 4. Attractions

    Paisley Museum is free to visit and contains extensive collections including Egyptian artefacts and the Paisley Shawl Collection. There are regular free lunch time talks at this attraction. Coats Observatory is the oldest public observatory in Scotland includes a planetarium that gives visitors a tour of the night sky. The Paisley Thread Mill Museum is open on Wednesday and S...Read moreaturday afternoons and is based in an old restored mill. The Sma' Shot Cottages take visitors on a trip back through time. The Weaver’s Cottage is set up as it would have been in the 1700s, while a small row of three cottages depict life in the mid 1800s. These are free to visit and are open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Read less

  • 5. Things To Do

    The Lagoon Leisure Centre includes a leisure pool with slides and a wave machine, fitness suite, dance and exercise studio and a sports hall. Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park has free parking and lots of signposted walks and nature trails. Visitors can take to the water on Scotland’s first aqua-trikes or try an outdoor activity with a qualified instructor. There are also safe p...Read morelay areas for children. Barshaw Park includes a model traffic area, nature corner, play areas, a walled garden and crazy golf and putting facilities. The Gleniffer Braes Country Park, on the outskirts of the town, covers 480 acres and offers plenty of walks and open spaces. Robertson Park has a pets’ corner, play area, sensory garden, skate park and tennis and putting facilities. The Big Adventure is a huge indoor adventure play centre with facilities for children of all ages. Read less

  • 6. Business

    The Piazza Shopping Centre is a big indoor shopping facility offering many of the High Street names. The Paisley Shopping Centre has over 50 stores and parking for 300 cars. It also offers eating and drinking facilities. The Braehead Shopping Centre, also containing the Xscape indoor snow sports centre, is situated close to Paisley.

  • 7. Transport

    The M8 motorway runs through Paisley and links the town to Glasgow and right through to Edinburgh in the east. This motorway also links to the M77 and the M74 to the south. Glasgow Airport is just two miles from the town and offers international and domestic flights. The train station, in Gilmour Street, offers good connections to the rest of Scotland. There are many regular ...Read moreservices into the centre of Glasgow, giving access to services to the rest of the UK. Read less

  • 8. Entertainment

    The programme of events at Paisley Arts Centre includes film screenings, live comedy shows, music, drama and more. Paisley’s Showcase Cinema is based at the Phoenix Business Park. Paisley Town Hall hosts concerts, shows and conferences, with an auditorium that can seat up to 750 people.

  • 9. Famous Landmarks

    Thomas Coats Memorial church is described as one of the finest Baptist churches in Europe and has been part of the Paisley skyline for 100 years. It is also known as the Baptist Cathedral of Europe. The Gothic style building is made from red sandstone and includes a 60-metre spire. Paisley Abbey was founded in 1163 and still retains its medieval nave. The building has royal to...Read morembs, fine woodcarving and 19th and 20th century stained glass windows. The abbey also has a gift and coffee shop for visitors. Read less

  • 10. Interesting Fact

    Singer/songwriter Paolo Nutini is from Paisley. Actor David Tennant, well known for his role as Dr Who, also grew up in the town.

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