The past and the future come together to celebrate Paisley’s proud heritage in latest mural

left to right – Paisley First Chairman Ian Henderson, Paisley First BID Manager Andrew Mitchell, seven year old Eva Rose Ross, artists Caroline Gormley and Sandy Guy

The latest mural in the Paisley First Wall Series has been completed with one local youngster taking centre stage in promoting the town’s proud heritage.

Seven year old Eva Rose Ross from Paisley won the competition to be commemorated on the gable wall next to Allan’s Snack Bar on Storie Street, a popular fish and chip shop in the town.

seven year old Eva Rose Ross in front of the Storie Street mural

Local artist Caroline Gormley and co-artist Sandy Guy have been braving sunshine and snow for the last couple of weeks to complete the “Buddie” artwork.

Caroline said: “This mural encourages young people to be curious and to engage with their rich heritage. Hopefully, it will inspire them.”

Eva Rose, who attends St Fergus Primary School, said: “I love everything about Paisley and I still can’t believe that a mural of me is now part of the town.”

“I think it looks great and I am proud that I am playing my part in helping to promote Paisley as a great place to visit.”

Paisley First Chairman Ian Henderson added: “Both completed murals have received a really positive response and there are more in the pipeline.”

“They really are making a difference in the town and we can’t wait to see the reaction to the rest of the murals we have planned.”

the view of the mural from Storie Street

“Community art groups are also getting involved in some of the upcoming murals; these murals are for the people of Paisley, by the people of Paisley.”

“This is just one of a number of projects aimed at getting local people actively involved in what’s happening in their home town.”

The Paisley First Walls Series is part-funded with a grant through Renfrewshire’s Culture, Heritage and Events Fund.

Caroline Gormley and Sandy Guy with Eva Rose Ross and Gracie Sarah Cochrane

Paisley 2021 Bid Director Jean Cameron said: “We were delighted to support Paisley First to produce these murals through our Culture, Heritage and Events Fund, which aims to boost the local creative scene as Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021 is lodged.”

“Mark Worst’s giant kingfisher on Johnston Street has been turning heads now for weeks, and this latest mural is a lovely piece of work by Caroline Gormley.”

“These murals aren’t just brightening up the town centre for residents and visitors, they are also shining a spotlight on some of the wonderful artistic talent we have here, and I congratulate all involved.”

Caroline’s artwork was originally inspired by an image she had seen of another seven year old, Gracie Sarah Cochrane.

Gracie and competition winner Eva Rose Ross exchanged gifts to mark the completion of the mural – Gracie gave Eva Rose a framed sketch of the image Caroline used to paint the youngster.

Eva Rose then gave Gracie a framed image of Caroline’s original sketch of Gracie when the artist first started to put together potential ideas for the wall.