Paisley shortlisted for Scotland’s Town of the Year 2025

Paisley has been shortlisted for the prestigious Scotland Loves Local Town of the Year Award, recognising the town’s ambitious regeneration and community-led transformation.

The award, organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership, celebrates the towns across Scotland that are leading the way in creating vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities.

Paisley’s nomination reflects the scale and impact of Renfrewshire Council’s ongoing investment in the town’s cultural and civic infrastructure, which is helping to reshape its future and attract new visitors, residents and businesses.

Recent regeneration projects include:

• Paisley Town Hall – A £22million transformation which has turned the iconic A-listed building into one of Scotland’s finest entertainment venues, with state-of-the-art performance spaces, improved accessibility, and restored Victorian architecture.
• Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub – A £7million redevelopment of a vacant High Street unit into a modern, digitally-connected home for Paisley Central Library, featuring a children’s storytelling area, community rooms, and a striking book-inspired façade.
• Paisley Arts Centre – Following a £3million refurbishment, the venue is now one to the country’s top small arts venues offering enhanced facilities for performers and audiences, a new café and bar, retractable seating, and improved accessibility.
• Paisley Museum – Scotland’s largest cultural heritage project is transforming the museum into a world-class visitor destination. The redevelopment will double gallery space, improve accessibility, and showcase Paisley’s globally significant collections.
• Paisley Grammar School Community Campus – A new £85.5 million state-of-the-art school is under construction and set to open in 2026. The campus will include sports pitches, a 300-seat theatre, and community facilities.
• Paisley’s West End – A multi-phase regeneration masterplan is underway, delivering new social and private housing, improved public spaces, and stronger links to the town centre.
• Ferguslie Park – The area has undergone significant regeneration through the community-led “Making of Ferguslie” plan. 101 new council homes have been delivered, as well as a new artist studio called the Sculpture House, growing spaces, and a vibrant new community hub and games area.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “Paisley’s nomination for Scotland’s Town of the Year is a fantastic recognition of the continuing work being done to transform our town and make it an inviting place to live, work and visit.

“We’re proud of the investment that Renfrewshire Council has made in our cultural venues, schools and communities – and we’ll continue to do all we can to create a Paisley we can continue to be proud of. This is a town with a rich heritage and a bold vision for the future, and we’re delighted to see that being recognised nationally.”

Paisley is joined by Blairgowrie & Rattray (Perth & Kinross) and Newton Stewart (Dumfries & Galloway) on the shortlist. Last year’s winner was Oban, Argyll and Bute.

Kimberley Guthrie, Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: “As part of Scotland Loves Local we are celebrating the fact that people make places. The high standard of nominations received for this year’s Scotland Loves Local Awards stand testament to that.

“They showcase the innovation, collaboration and determination which is shaping a better future for communities across Scotland.

“Well done to all of the places and projects shortlisted – and all of the people involved. Each of them has a great story to tell about local action improving local lives.”

The winners of the Scotland Loves Local Awards 2025 will be announced in October.