Paisley shortlisted for Scotland Loves Local 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.
Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 30 September 2025 12:46
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.
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment
SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.
READ MORE
The Christmas tradition of the year is back...
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween Festival delivers a frightfully fun weekend for all
Spooky season descended on Paisley at the weekend as thousands of visitors turned out for the annual Halloween Festival!
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
A decade of cultural impact to be celebrated at anniversary concert
Celebrated traditional music and Gaelic arts charity, Fèis Phàislig, has announced details of a major anniversary concert to mark ten years of providing cultural opportunities for young people.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween festival shows visitors a wicked good time!
Paisley Halloween Festival is back at its spooky best as thousands of visitors attended the first night of the festival.
READ MORE
The Beat the Street Renfrewshire winners are announced
The winners of the latest Beat the Street challenge in Renfrewshire have now been announced!
READ MORE
Paisley crowned as Town Of The Year
Judges in the Scotland Loves Local Awards awarded the title after being impressed by the critical point reached in the town's 'resurgence' amid unprecedented investment in its future.
READ MORE
Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk
The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk.
READ MORE
Braehead just got cooler as Snowflake Gelato debuts in Scotland
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, is delighted to announce the arrival of Snowflake Gelato.
READ MORE
Community curated film festival brings world class cinema to Greenock this Galoshans Festival
Free and low-cost screenings showcase Horror, Heritage, and Homegrown Talent selected by local curators and young people.
READ MORE
Aldi to open a pop up pumpkin patch in Renfrew this Halloween for one day only
Families are in for a spook-tacular surprise this Halloween, as Aldi is transforming part of its Renfrew store into a pop-up Pumpkin Patch on Saturday 25th October.
READ MORE
Halloween takes over town this weekend
Paisley Halloween Festival will return this weekend with a packed programme to fright and delight visitors!
READ MORE
The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE
Horror Con Scotland takes over Paisley Town Hall this Halloween Weekend
Scotland's scariest convention is heading to Renfrewshire for a two-day Halloween spectacular!
READ MORE
Help Provost Cameron light up Renfrewshire this Christmas
Renfrewshire's Provost, Lorraine Cameron is once again inviting children of primary school age to design a Christmas card for 2025.
READ MORE
Grab some Buddie Good Deals here in Paisley town centre this October!
Grab some Buddie Good Deals in Paisley town centre from Saturday 11th October until Saturday 25th October.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links