Town is still flying the flag

Award recognises Paisley’s nightlife

Kathleen Speirs

Paisley is officially the cream of the crop when it comes to nightlife.

The town centre has retained its prestigious Purple Flag status after an application was put forward for interim renewal.

A benchmark for good night-time destinations, the award recognises areas that provide a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents, between 5pm and 5am.

Chairman of Paisley First, Ian Henderson, said: “This is a great achievement for all those involved in promoting Paisley as a great place to live, work, study and visit.

“It’s imperative now that we continue to work together so that when it’s time for the full renewal later this year, and the assessors visit the town centre again, they can see great things happening in our vibrant town centre.”

A Paisley Purple Flag student discount card is just one of the many projects launched in the town as a result of receiving the award.

Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “The interim renewal of our Purple Flag status is a fantastic boost for Paisley and recognises that the area continues to be a safe, exciting destination for a night out.

“We are working diligently with our partners to ensure that Paisley continues to offer a diverse range of establishments for people to enjoy, as well as ensuring they are able to travel home safely at the end of their night.

“Paisley’s night-time economy is thriving and we look forward to the assessors returning later in the year as part of the full renewal process.”

Purple Flag status was achieved at the beginning of 2017 following an application developed by Paisley First, with partners Renfrewshire Council, Paisley Pubwatch, Police Scotland, Renfrewshire Cabs, ScotRail, Paisley and West Community Council and the Paisley Street Pastors.

The town’s Purple Flag is on display at the town’s County Square.

This is a great achievement for all those involved in promoting Paisley

Top town Celebrating success at County Square, from left, community firefighter Steven Smith; vice chair of Paisley West and Central Community Council, Margaret Dymond; chair of Paisley First, Ian Henderson; Cheryl Adair, of Paisley Street Pastors;...