The Scotsman

Well done Paisley

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It is obviously disappoint­ing that Paisley was unsuccessf­ul in its bid to become UK City of Culture 2021. But the town should be immensely proud of what it has achieved. Coventry also deserves congratula­tions. I am sure the city’s cultural programme will inspire us all.

Despite losing, there is still a fantastic opportunit­y to harness the momentum and collective goodwill built up over the period of Paisley’s UK City

of Culture campaign. In particular, many local businesses have already shown an active commitment to get behind the bid and work in partnershi­p with the local arts and heritage communitie­s to deliver an outstandin­g programme of cultural activity in Paisley. Many elements of that programme could still happen.

In that context, Arts & Business Scotland’s Culture & Business Fund Scotland stands ready to offer match funding to local businesses supporting local cultural projects in and around Paisley. We will be continuing discussion­s with local businesses and cultural organisati­ons in the months ahead with a view to hopefully making that happen.

DAVID WATT Chief Executive Arts & Business Scotland

Rosebery House Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh

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