Abbey is right behind the City of Culture bid
Shortlist success delights iconic church’s minister
The minister of Paisley’s oldest church says he relishes the prospect of the town becoming UK City of Culture 2021.
The UK Government ’ s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport revealed last week that Paisley is the only Scottish community competing for the title against Coventry, Stoke, Sunderland and Swansea.
Rev Alan Birss, who has been minister of the abbey for more than 25 years, said the title would create many exciting opportunities to welcome more people into the 850- year- old church, which has played an important role in Scotland’s history over the centuries.
Mr Birss said the abbey had been actively involved in many projects supporting Paisley’s City of Culture bid, which was launched in the church.
“I am delighted that Paisley has been short- listed for UK City of Culture 2021,” he added.
“The abbey is very supportive of the bid.”
The bid is part of a drive to use the town’s unique heritage and cultural story as the home of the globally-recognised Paisley Pattern to transform its future for the better.
“The bid process has already produced very good results for the town, not just in terms of events taking place, but also in terms of generating a positive, optimistic atmosphere and pride in Paisley,” Mr Birss said.
“The abbey has been actively involved in many of the projects surrounding the bid to date including being the venue for the launch of the bid, for the Spree Arts Festival and for Paisley Make, an initiative that promotes Scottish design such as clothing and jewellery.
“Given our central location in the town and our long history as ‘Paisley’s Abbey’ where so often people come together for religious and secular purposes, the bid for City status offers us many opportunities to reach out to the community and welcome them into the abbey in Christ’s name.”
Mr Birss said Paisley Abbey was at the heart of many community events throughout the years.
He recalled how it is the backdrop to the British start of the Monte Carlo rally, the venue for Renfrewshire’s Armed Forces Day celebrations and at the centre of the Sma’ Shot Day festivities.
Mr Birss said: “The abbey is also an important part of the town’s remarkable Hallowe’en Festival and Christmas lights switch-on.”
Plans have been drawn up to rebuild the 4th cloister of the abbey and refurbish the interior to create an interactive visitor centre, a café and contemporary space for functions, events and community activities.