The wall of fame
Brown’s Lane’s stunning mural salutes local heroes
Paisley legends have been immortalised in art after the town revealed its latest mural.
Brown’s Lane is home to some colourful new additions, boasting impressive portraits of local icons Paolo Nutini, Gerry Rafferty, Joe Egan and Ellen Farmer MBE.
The stunning work by Danny McDermott also incorporates designs that illustrate Paisley’s rich weaving and textiles heritage, displaying the renowned Paisley Pattern and hints of the Sma’ Shot story.
Representatives from Paisley First attended the reveal on Tuesday, along with ex-footballer Alan Mackin, who behind the St Mirren mural which was created in the lane in April.
Paisley singer-songwriter Joe Egan was also there for the big reveal, along with the family of the late historian and former president of the Old Paisley Society, Ellen Farmer.
Volunteer Nikki Stirton came up with the concept for the latest mural designs after extensive research on the area.
She said each mural tells a story of part of Paisley’s past, explaining: “Brown’s Lane, Shuttle Street, New Street and Sma’ Shot Lane were once the centre of the weaving world, so, inspired by the Paisley 2021 bid, we wanted to create more murals celebrating the town’s musical and textile heritage. “The project has been fantastic. “It’s the perfect example of how the local community and business owners can pull together to uplift an area.”
In the mural, Ellen, who was instrumental in acquiring and running the Sma’ Shot Cottages complex, is pictured wearing a Paisley shawl and standing next to a spinning wheel to signify the rich weaving history of the area.
Ellen’s husband Eddie said to have his wi f e ’ s work commemorated in Brown’s Lane, so near to Sma’ Shot Cottages, is a true honour.
He told us: “It’s lovely to have the mural done — the whole family is really pleased.
“Ellen has a memorial at Paisley Museum, so she has been recognised in the town before, but this is really special and something that will remain here for many years to come.”
Joe Egan, who formed Stealers Wheel with Gerry Rafferty and produced such classics as Stuck In The Middle With You, is pictured next to Gerry and Billy Connolly, who formed the band The Humblebums together.
Joe said: “The regeneration of Paisley can only be a good thing.
“It’s been run down for so long that I think it’s time it should be brought back to it’s former glory.
“Paisley is my home town, so I’m proud to support all of the great changes that are going on.”
As part of the latest works, festoon lighting was installed in the lane in an attempt to brighten up the area, make it more attractive and improve safety.
It forms part of the Brown’s Lane regeneration project, a community initiative to uplift the street which is funded and supported by Paisley First.
Businessman Alan Mackin said he is delighted with how well the Brown’s Lane murals have been received.
He told: “I couldn’t believe the overwhelming positive reaction to the St Mirren mural in the lane, so we wanted to carry on and build on that success.
“I hope that the new artwork will attract more visitors to the lane and help bring the area back to life. I’d like to thank Nikki, the guys from Paisley First and Alan Gibson from Renfrewshire Council’s events team and everyone else who came together to make this possible.”