MP Gavin Newlands presents framed rugby shirt to Paisley 2021 bid team

Member of Parliament and Paisley Rugby Club President Gavin Newlands has presented a framed rugby shirt to Paisley 2021 Bid Director Jean Cameron to show support for the town’s title ambitions.

The team have been donning the specially-designed Paisley 2021 strips – paid for by sponsorship from intu Braehead – as they compete in Division Two of the West Regional League and other cup competitions.

The MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North said: “Paisley Rugby Club is very proud to support the town’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021 by wearing the Paisley 2021 colours on our home strip this season.

“The bid team under Jean’s leadership has done the town proud and put together a first class bid that has done so much to lift the town out of the doldrums and make a lot of Buddies feel proud once again, regardless of the outcome.

“It’s for this reason that I was delighted, on behalf of the club, to present this framed Paisley shirt to Jean and the team for all that they have done for the town.”

Paisley is one of five places shortlisted for the UK City of Culture 2021 title alongside Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland and Swansea. The winner will be announced this Thursday evening by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport which organises the competition.

Paisley 2021 Bid Director Jean Cameron said: “Paisley Rugby Club have been great supporters of the town’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 and it’s lovely to receive one of the specially branded shirts to mark their backing.

“The club is one of the town’s many great assets and as we await a decision on the UK City of Culture 2021 title, we wish them every continued success.”