Article Source: Paisley First
Last Updated: 4 July 2024 10:33
Scotland’s largest town, Paisley, has been contributing to the world stage for centuries and now Paisley buddies from the world of stage, screen, music, art and sport - who have made a significant impact on the local community - are being honoured in the Buddie Walk of Fame - a stars in the pavement trail, Hollywood Boulevard-style, on the streets of Paisley.
Featuring the town’s sons and daughters as voted for by the people of the Paisley, the first ten ‘stars’ are being unveiled and include John Byrne, outside Paisley Library, High Street; Gerry Rafferty, outside The Bungalow music venue on Shuttle Street; Tom Conti, outside newly refurbished Paisley Arts Centre, on New Street; Paolo Nutini, outside Castelvecchi, his parent’s chip shop, on New Street; Phyllis Logan’s is on Causeyside Street, outside Phelps Butchers; David Tennant’s is on Glasgow Road, close to his former school, Paisley Grammar; Gerard Butler’s is outside The Exchange – on Old Sneddon Street – soon to be Scotland’s first purpose-built Youth Theatre. Actor Fulton Mackay’s stone is on Gilmour Street, near the train station; local boxing legend, Norrie Sweeney, will have his unveiled on Storie Street, close to his old boxing gym. Paisley’s Mill Girls will have a stone situated on Bridge Street, overlooking the old mill with landmarks, Paisley Abbey and Paisley Town Hall in the background.
Actor, Tom Conti, said: “Well, well. Paisley versus Hollywood Boulevard but without the hands. It’s very nice to be remembered in this way. Paisley has punched above its weight in producing successful people. I wish all ‘buddies’ well.”
Celie Byrne, John’s daughter, commented: “My dad was approached by Natalie at Paisley First about the project before he passed away and as a voracious reader and lover of books and stories, he requested that his stone be outside the new library. I think he’d have been blown away by this tribute to him in his hometown. It’s a great place for his fans to visit and he’s in good company, along with Gerry, Paolo, Tom, Phyllis and the other Buddies.”
Actor, David Tennant, commented: "I'm honoured to be included in the Buddie Walk of Fame and thanks to everyone who voted for me. I'm proud to have attended Paisley Grammar and I'm delighted that my star is being unveiled outside my old school. I have some great memories of my time at the Grammar, and I will make a point of visiting the spot when I am next in the town."
The project has been driven by Paisley’s Business Improvement District, which is fully funded by the town centre’s local businesses, along with support from Renfrewshire Council’s Culture, Heritage and Events Fund (CHEF).
Elaine Templeton, Chair, Paisley First, commented: “We were inundated with nominations for the Buddie Walk of Fame, but the people of Paisley made it clear that these were the favourites to be celebrated in this first phase. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors, from all over the world, to follow the trail and enjoy everything our town has to offer.
“The Buddie Walk of Fame truly is the perfect to celebrate the achievements of Buddies the world over and help inspire a younger generation to achieve their dreams.”
The Culture Heritage and Event Fund is administered by OneRen on behalf of Renfrewshire Council. It is part of Future Paisley, the council-led programme of events, activity and targeted investment which is using Paisley’s unique and internationally significant story to change its future.
The trail will also reflect on the town’s rich heritage and features key landmarks and will run throughout Paisley First BID area. A trail guide will be downloadable from Paisley First’s website www.paisleyfirst.com as well as offering printed copies of the guide, and plans are in place to produce a Buddie Walk of Fame app. It’s hoped this will be phase one of the Buddie Walk of Fame with future phases already being discussed.
The 10 stones on the trail were created by CED Stone Scotland and their partners Scribble Stone before being installed, free of charge, by John McGeady Limited, whose Managing Director, Tom Crumlish, is a Paisley Buddie.
Mark Kenny, Depot Manager at CED Stone Scotland, said: "CED Stone Scotland is used to dealing with unusual projects requiring our knowledge and expertise in natural stone and landscaping products, so when we heard about the Buddie Walk of Fame project, and being from Paisley myself, I knew I had to do what I could to help make this project happen.
“The Buddie Walk of Fame is a fantastic idea as there as so many people from Paisley, past and present, who deserve to be recognised for what they have done for the town.
“This project will fit in well within the scope of other work to regenerate Paisley and encourage more people to visit the town to see some of its stunning buildings and learn about its people and the town’s fascinating history.”
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MOREAhoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!
READ MOREMuch loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.
READ MOREThis summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MOREThousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.
READ MORESummerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MOREFancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?
READ MORETwo major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.
READ MOREThe biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORECheck out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MOREPupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MOREAfter their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!
READ MOREThe Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.
READ MORECouncillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.
READ MOREScotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MOREVoting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.
READ MORECrowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!
READ MORERefugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORETickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MOREOn Saturday, 28th June, Chrome 'n' Classics will host its annual event in the XSite car park for the first time – showcasing over 200 classic, custom, American, and vintage cars!
READ MOREPaisley town centre will host a day-long programme of entertainment this summer to celebrate Sma' Shot Day – one of the world's oldest worker's festivals.
READ MOREPaisley's CarFest is returning to Paisley town centre this Saturday, 14th June, with a fun day out for all the family guaranteed!
READ MOREThe paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORERising music star and Channel 4's The Piano winner Brad Kella visited Kibble's Goudie Academy to meet with care-experienced young people, share his story and inspire the next generation of musicians.
READ MOREScottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MOREVisitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORERenfrewshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses and partners to have their say on proposals for a public garden on the site of the former Brown Institute in Renfrew.
READ MOREBraehead Shopping Centre is pleased to officially welcome MINISO, the brand's first store in the West of Scotland, opening at 12pm on Friday 6th June.
READ MOREBark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORE