Article Source: Paisley 2021
Last Updated: 15 July 2017 13:10
Backing for Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021 has poured in from across the political spectrum with the town now the only Scottish place in the running to be the UK’s next City of Culture.
The UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport last night announced the five places on the shortlist for the prestigious culture title – with Paisley joined by Coventry, Stoke, Sunderland and Swansea.
The five cities were chosen after the initial 11 bidders were whittled down – and will now submit detailed second-stage bids before the winner is announced at the end of the year.
Paisley is bidding for the title as part of a wider push to use the town’s unique heritage and cultural story as the home of the globally-recognised Paisley Pattern to transform its future.
It is estimated Paisley’s 2021 year could bring a £172m economic boost and create the equivalent of 4,700 jobs over a ten-year period.
Current UK City of Culture hosts Hull have seen £1 billion of investment since winning the title in 2013, with the city attracting 1.4m visitors in just the first three months of its year in the spotlight.
There has never been a Scottish winner – although Dundee made the shortlist four years ago – and senior government figures from across the country are talking up what Paisley has to offer.
Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said: “Paisley makes a significant contribution to Scotland’s rich cultural life, with both historic built heritage and modern design.
“The local and national boost that being UK City of Culture 2021 would bring is an exciting prospect and I am pleased Paisley’s cultural journey and interests continue in this competition.”
Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: “I am delighted Paisley has been shortlisted for the UK City of Culture 2021. This is a superb opportunity to stimulate Paisley’s vibrant culture, generate new jobs and boost the local economy.
“While I must remain rigorously impartial, I can’t help but think the town that has given the world the Paisley Pattern, Paolo Nutini and David Tennant deserves something in return. I wish all those involved the very best of luck.”
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “Culture can transform the lives of many, including those in poverty, and supports people to develop new skills and build confidence in order to compete for the jobs of the future.
“I’ve long been a supporter of Paisley’s bid and I hope it makes it all the way and becomes the UK City of Culture 2021.”
Paisley’s bid is taking place as part of a wider push to use the town’s internationally-significant story to make it a key visitor destination within Scotland, and tourism chiefs were quick to talk the town up.
VisitScotland Chief Executive, Malcolm Roughead, said: “This is fantastic news for both the town and for Scotland. This is a highly-competitive process and to have made it this far is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team to showcase the town’s wonderful cultural offering.
“Scotland is the perfect stage for cultural events and Paisley already has a number of events already taking place, including The Spree and Weave Festival, that celebrate the town’s wonderful culture and heritage.
“It is this unique culture and heritage that will provide the ideal platform for them to build a wider programme of events and activities to engage with all its communities and the UK while ultimately transform its future.
“This is a highly coveted title and competition will be fierce, however, Paisley has much to offer and I know they will make the most of this opportunity. They have our full support and I wish them the best of luck ahead of the final decision.”
The news was also greeted with delight locally, with Paisley's MSP George Adam issuing a call for the whole country to get behind the town, adding: "This is fantastic news for our town and is down to the great work of bid director Jean Cameron and her team.
“The people of Paisley have embraced this bid and have played an enormous part so far. Paisley's bid has now become Scotland's bid and Team Paisley has now become Team Scotland.
“Over the next few months Paisley will be putting everything into bringing the title back to our great town.”
For more information on Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture, see paisley2021.co.uk
Visitors are invited to celebrate National Tea Day with a complimentary gift of tea and biscuits from the popular tea store, Whittard of Chelsea at Buchanan Galleries.
READ MORENow in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MOREButeFest, the much-loved family-friendly music festival on the Isle of Bute, has confirmed the lineup for this year's edition, set to take place between Friday 26th - Sunday 28th July.
READ MOREAye Write has confirmed stand-alone events and a smaller-scale version of Wee Write in 2024, instead of the full festival going ahead.
READ MOREGlasgow Cocktail Week has unveiled a series of cocktail trails mapping out the very best discounted drinks across the city including its first ever 'No and Low' trail.
READ MOREScotland's home of country, Maggie's Rock 'n' Rodeo, is inviting folk to grab the mic at its new Sunday afternoon event – The Hoedown Hoe-K-Oke, launching Sunday 5th May!
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MOREBroadway and West End phenomenon Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting back to Glasgow in a brand-new production starring Strictly's Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge!
READ MOREThe People's Palace, Glasgow will close its doors for the final time on Sunday 14th April, ahead of a major refurbishment.
READ MOREDon't miss out on the Baby & Toddler Show when it returns to Glasgow at the SEC, Glasgow on 19th - 21st April!
READ MOREThe Theatre Royal, Glasgow is one the latest venues set to see the National Theatre's global smash-hit production of War Horse visit as part of a major 18-month UK and Ireland tour.
READ MOREWith a new season brings new flavours and Glasgow Restaurant Week is set to shine a spotlight on the very best dishes and delights the city has to offer, when it kicks off tomorrow!
READ MOREFollowing its purchase by M Core in February, Buchanan Street’s iconic Princes Square has announced a trio of new tenants who will be opening stores in the centre.
READ MORECalling all golfers! Topgolf Glasgow is hosting 'The Final Round – Live' on Sunday 14th April, it's an unmissable event to celebrate golf's most prestigious tournament!
READ MOREA project set up to ensure culture and heritage are at the heart of the regeneration of Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street has secured a significant grant to help achieve its vision.
READ MOREEnergy efficiency will take centre stage at this year’s Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by Fleming Homes, when it returns to the SEC, Glasgow on 11-12 May 2024.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREGlasgow International Comedy Festival has revealed 2024's edition was a record-breaking year, with the highest number of shows in the festival's history!
READ MOREGlasgow East End-based and artist-led charity Strange Field announces its first programme of major exhibitions and events.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MOREA critically acclaimed show loved by theatre lovers around the world has announced it will be partnering with a leading Scottish charity to raise vital funds for LGBTQ+ young people.
READ MOREThis year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MOREWith three weeks to go until Glasgow Cocktail Week takes over the city, the festival has announced an eclectic mix of masterclasses, unique events, and tasting sessions!
READ MOREThis April, Glasgow favourites, El Perro Negro and Ka Pao are joining forces for a tantalising collaboration!
READ MOREThe Glasgow Comedy Club, from the team behind Max's Bar and Room 2, have announced a brand new regular Saturday Night comedy show in Max's Basement launching this Saturday!
READ MOREMatthew Bourne's magical dance production of the classic Tim Burton movie Edward Scissorhands is coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow in May!
READ MOREWrestlemania 40 is just around the corner and Maggie's Rock 'n' Rodeo has announced it'll be showing all the action live on Sunday 7th April!
READ MORESusie McCabe is the winner of the second Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award announced at Glasgow International Comedy Festival's Comedy Gala on Saturday afternoon.
READ MOREProvand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow, will host a series of family-friendly activities during the Easter school holidays to mark its reopening.
READ MOREStaring X-Factor winner and legend Sam Bailey and Strictly Come Dancing royalty Kevin Clifton, Everybody's Talking About Jamie comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in May!
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"