That saw the ground become known as the Paisley 2021 Stadium – boosting the profile of the bid, which is aiming to use the town’s unique story and cultural assets to transform its future.

And Councillor Mark Macmillan, chair of the Paisley 2021 Partnership Board, reckons the link-up is a great example of how the bid belongs to the whole Paisley community.sct_stmirren_free_jsh5

He was at the stadium with outgoing St Mirren chief executive Brian Caldwell – soon to take up a new job in England – and his replacement, club legend Tony Fitzpatrick.

Councillor Macmillan said: “Since Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 was launched in November, it has had tremendous backing from the local community and beyond.

“Although the council is leading the project, the bid is much more than a council scheme – it is being run by a partnership of different groups, including UWS, West College Scotland, Glasgow Airport and business, cultural and community representatives.

“St Mirren are an important part of that community, as well as one of the most high-profile symbols of the town.

“By having Paisley 2021 branding around the stadium we are advertising the town and our ambitions to a wide audience – not only do St Mirren games feature on national TV and radio, and are broadcast online around the world, but the stadium hosts live televised Scotland under-21 and women’s internationals too.

“Paisley was once known across the globe through its textiles and the pattern which bears its name – the bid is about retelling that unique story to the world once again.

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“By doing so we will raise the town’s profile, create pride, attract visitors to our town centre, and use the power of culture to change people’s lives for the better.”

Brian Caldwell added: “St Mirren are a community club at heart and we are delighted to be able to back the town’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021.

“Anything that is good for St Mirren is good for Paisley and vice versa – and a successful bid will be very good for Paisley in terms of showing the world everything the town has to offer.

“Although I am moving on, I would like to wish everybody connected with the bid all the best and I am sure the club will back them all the way.”

For more information on Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021, visit www.paisley2021.co.uk

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X