Paisley [Population 77,000]
The largest town in Scotland that is not a city at this time Paisley is also the administrative centre for Renfrewshire.
Cities generally benefit from increased investment, tourism and interest over towns which can deliver new jobs for residents and additional trade for local businesses improving and growing the local economy. Moreover, towns who understand the importance of being a City and the benefits it can bring rush to be given the oportunity to be contestants. We are launching the Paisley City campaign before any formal contest begins to ensure that Paisley is seen as a proactive leading contender and an an ambitious front-runner.
To further explain the benefits of city status, we have spoken to representatives of towns who have gone on to win city status.
In 2017 we campaigned to become the UK City of Culture for 2021 but despite reaching the shortlist in a keenly contested competition we were pipped to the title by Coventry.
However, shortly after the City of Culture contest there was a (perfect opportunity) for Paisley to become a City in Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee celebrations of 2022 but we did not enter. We believe Renfrewshire Council made an egregious mistake as Paisley's national profile was sky high and coupled with our historical importance would have seen us become Scotland's 8th City, instead that accolade went to Dunfermline.
The City of Culture only lasts for one year becoming a CITY is forever and Paisley City believes we must be ready to do all we can to rectify this mistake to help build our local economy and put Paisley back on the world map when King Charles III announces the same.
New business equals new jobs, equals more tourism, equals a boost to the local economy, equals more Paisley Buddies.
New city's attract new businesses and national brands who prefer to have a store in a city over a town. This creates new jobs, which in turn encourages more tourism which boosts the local economy. A growing economy attracts more students to our schools and university, which encourages more residents to come to live in the area. Paisley as Renfrewshire's first city to makes it a go-to destination and would have a positive impact on the region as a whole.
EXAMPLE: Dunfermline [Population 54,900]
"The official title of city will give Dunfermline the wider recognition that it deserves as one of the fastest-growing, urban areas in Scotland. City status will help us grow economically and as a tourist destination and will have a positive impact on Dunfermline and the surroundings. The people of Dunfermline have always known that Dunfermline is a city but it’s great to finally get official recognition of this." [Source: Fife ]
"Launching the Paisley City campaign is an honour and being an ambassador for Paisley a greater honour still. - Jim McIlroy"
Not only does becoming a city bring greate investment opportunities but there is readily available Government funding and initiatives that are specifically targeted at cities, such as the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF), City of Culture, and Future Cities UK (Innovate UK). As a new city, Paisley would be well placed to make strong bids for this funding; which would see huge investment and regeneration in transport and infrastructure.
EXAMPLE: Inverness [Population 47,700]
Inverness claims that city status raised their profile and helped to secure more funding for regeneration projects. It attracted a wave of high profile businesses and became a key location for Government department headquarters. UPDATE: - The Scottish Government will invest £135 million into the city’s infrastructure, the UK Government will commit up to £53 million and The Highland Council and regional partners will contribute £127 million over 10 years. [Source: The Insider]
Paisley is well-known for its friendliness but the crowds that now come to see its three-day Halloween extravaganza has seen it become the biggest attraction of its type in Scotland as thousands from all over flood into the town each year.
There is no getting away from it, cities attract tourists and visitors looking for new experiences. Becoming a city would raise Paisley's profile nationally and internationally, and as we mentioned above 'attracting more visitors' boosts the local economy and this create further job opportunities.
EXAMPLE: Perth [Population 47,350]
Since Perth became a city in 2012 it is now one of the fast growing in Scotland. With significant strengths in food and drink, tourism and clean technology, Perth is primed for significant international investment opportunities, supported by the council’s tailored “open for business” approach. [Source: Scottish Cities]
Regeneration of our High Street must gather pace and levelling up funds are required to achieve ???
Achieving city status would demonstrate to the world that Paisley is back, that community and civic pride is back and the most important town in Scotland is moving forward. Proving Paisley is open-for-business and we are ready for the future.
EXAMPLE: Stirling [Population 37,910 - 2020]
Stirling Council has approved a new long-term strategy to help support the growth and development of Stirling city centre. The Strategy will be delivered alongside a range of partners who helped develop its key targets and ambitions, including Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District, Stirling Arcade and The Thistles shopping centre, as well as Historic Environment Scotland and the University of Stirling. Increasing footfall, including overnight stays and international visitors, as well as improving business confidence in the city centre are among the key targets for the new strategy. ” [Source: Invest in Stirling]
More exciting projects and events are being planned and Paisley Buddies are beginning to feel the town is a city in all but name and its time we were made one"
Paisley has a rich and varied cultural heritage, Paisley Arts Centre is one of Scotland's most vibrant and exciting venues, famous for many A-list actors and musicians. City status would be a huge boost for the local arts scene and visitor economy and would further boost Paisley’s reputation as one of Scotland’s top destinations for culture and events.
Paisley also has some fine architecture, the most listed buildings outside of Edinburgh.- From medieval Scottish kings, to to its impartance during the ??? ????, Paisley is one of Scotland's most important places
n the 19th century Paisley became a world centre for the production of thread, with the world-famous Paisley Pattern imported from Kashmir.
Its growing wealth in the Victorian era is shown by the fact that Paisley has more listed buildings than any other town in Scotland. It was also a centre for radical reform of politics and trade unionism.
The increased investment, tourism and interest that cities receive over towns can generate huge benefits for residents and local businesses.
All of the above factors combined help to create better opportunities for local people. New businesses and visitors bring new job opportunities and greater investment brings opportunities for regeneration; all helping to reduce unemployment, boost skills, and raise aspirations for residents