WESTMINSTER DEBATE TO HIGHLIGHT PAISLEY’S BID FOR PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North Gavin Newlands has said that it would be a ‘great way to create a transformational change‘ for Paisley – if it won the bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021.

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Gavin Newlands comments came as he leads a debate at Westminster on Paisley’s bid  for the prestigious award – and on the deserved reputation the town has for its cultural contribution to Scotland and the wider world.

Gavin Newlands MP said:

“I have been a passionate supporter of Paisley’s bid to be named UK City of Culture 2021, and wanted to take the message to a wider audience at Westminster.

“My debate in parliament is an opportunity to promote Paisley and the bid. Securing this title isn’t just about recognising our cultural strengths, it’s also about creating a transformational change for everyone living in the area. Paisley has challenges and being named as the UK City of Culture would give us the tools to tackle these challenges head-on.

‘’We have seen how other bid winners – most noticeably Glasgow in 1990 – benefit and well known Paisley figures like Paolo Nutini and acclaimed artist and playwright John Byrne have thrown their weight behind the campaign.

‘’Paisley well and truly punches above its weight in so many areas of culture ; we have the highest concentration of listed buildings anywhere in Scotland outside Edinburgh and the famous Paisley pattern is synonymous with the town’s rich history – it would be a real boost if in addition to all the great attractions of my home town – we could secure this bid.’’