We’re flying the flag for Paisley

Scotland’s MPs forgot their political rivalries to back Paisley’s bid to become the UK City of Culture 2021.

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, brought together politicians from all parties to highlight the cross-party support for the town.

Mr Newlands said:“Paisley’s bid to be named as the UK City of Culture is now Scotland’s bid and all of the country’s Westminster-based politicians are right behind the campaign to bring this title to Paisley.

“It’s not often that all of Scotland’s main political parties will agree on an issue, but the Paisley 2021 community-led campaign is a special cause that has united us.

“There isn’t a town in the UK that has had a bigger cultural impact on the world than Paisley. The Paisley pattern is famous the world over, and the town’s famous performance heritage includes modern-day music and acting stars like Paulo Nutini, Gerard Butler and David Tennant.

“Paisley is a town not without its challenges, but we’re ready to help seize this opportunity to transform our town for the better, helping to improve the lives of all our citizens. Paisley’s case to be named the UK’s City of Culture is as strong as it gets, and I am delighted that all Scots politicians are united in backing Paisley’s bid to be named as the UK’s City of Culture.”