Paisley Local Information: 10 top things to know... more
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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 more
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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 more
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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 more
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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 more
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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 more
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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.
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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 more
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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.
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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 more
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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.
Paisley Events
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Town Hall reopened with celebration
A day of celebrations marked the opening of the newly refurbished Renfrew Town Hall. The building opened its doors again after a huge £5.2 million regeneration project, including structural upgrading, a new steel frame and a replacement flat roof. The project...
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Centre is excellent for disabled sailors
People with disabilities will be able to enjoy sailing thanks to a new centre of excellence. The Castle Semple Centre, in Lochwinnoch, has become Scotland’s first Royal Yachting Association (RYA) ‘Sailability’ Centre of Excellence. This means it is...
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Teenager mixes with the stars
Teenager Declan Laird is mixing with the stars after swapping his life in Kilmacolm for an acting scholarship in the States. The 18-year-old, who is studying at the Stella Adler acting school in Los Angeles, has managed to meet Justin Timberlake,...
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Dancers keep a big secret
Talented young dancers had to keep a big secret when they found out they had made it through to the final stages of a talent show. The young members of dance group Fear of the Unknown had to keep quiet for...
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