Walruses will hit the streets today

Animals have swapped the arctic for Paisley this winter with a special winter march.

A parade of walruses is running through the town centre today to celebrate the town’s famous Grand Fountain.

The stunning fountain was first restored back in 2014 to its Victorian-era glory costing more than £650,000.

Buddies can catch the parade from 10am with performances through the afternoon in Fountain Gardens.

The STAR Project has been involved from the outset, and its manager Sharon McAulay, said the parade and subsequent short film to come out of the event has brought the whole community together.

“Over 80 people have been involved in making the short film ,” Sharon said.

“This has been a real community project and we can’t wait to see the reaction to the parade.”

The herd of walrus will arrive at Paisley Gilmour Street station before making their way to St Matthew’s Church, then the Bull Inn before finishing in Fountain Gardens.

Artist Mandy McIntosh said the choice of animal to feature as part of the fountain celebrations was appropriate.

She commented:“I found out that the reason was that Mr Coats really liked the Arctic, so he wanted them on the fountain.

“It’s just so random, and I was really tickled by that.

It’s highly unusual to have Arctic creatures like that on a fountain. I thought it would be a great thing to celebrate.”