Town is back on the map in guide
Group launches free Paisley Tours information booklet
A new guide to Paisley is all set to welcome back a rare species to the town . . . the tourist.
Paisley Tours - Places to See and Explore was launched yesterday.
Ten thousand copies will be winging their way to popular spots all over town.
The 24-page guide is packed with information for visitors.
The project was completed by Paisley Walking Tours on Wheels and Paisley Darkside History and Tours.
Organiser Sandra Fernie has thanked coronavirus restrictions for giving them the time to publish it.
Sandra said: “With lockdown being in place we were able to dedicate all our time to putting everything together.
“It has been a tough year for everyone and this gave us something to focus on.
“I think it was a big project for us to take on and we have eventually got there .
“This is something we have been wanting to do for some time.”
The front cover is set on a Paisley pattern backdrop with an outline of the town skyline showing all the famous features.
The guide is now going to be distributed via local businesses, public buildings, information stands, schools and social media.
Some funding was provided by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Renfrewshire Council.
But advertising needed to be secured from town firms.
The guide reveals Paisley “has the largest collection of listed buildings outside Edinburgh”.
And it charts the Coats brothers’ history and that the central Dunn Square was bought for just £4,000.
It notes the Dunn Square flower beds are all in the Paisley pattern shape and it was deemed the best spot for a drinking fountain for parched Buddies.
The darker historical side is also explored including the Tolbooth where seven people were found guilty of witchcraft before their Gallowgreen execution.
And it features the mysterious markings at the top of Church Hill which remember the members of Oakshaw Trinity who died after falling from the steeple.
The Coats Memorial Church, Tannahill, John Neilson, the weavers and even the Paisley Snail get a mention.
Backers who took out advertising include Houston Traditional Kiltmakers, Karen Brodie Photography, The Butterfly Room, The Paisley Shopping Centre, Shopmobility Paisley & District, Tom Chalmers Sticks and Prints, Paisley Townscape Heritage, Sunshine Gallery, White Cart Co, The Keg, Kenneth Keegan and Ableworld.
With lockdown in place, we were able to dedicate all our time to putting everything together