TO become UK City of Culture is about much more than earning a fine title that looks good on municipal notepaper. It is a hard-earned accolade that results in increased investment, a raised profile, jobs, visitors, and a boost in residents’ self-confidence.
No community has fought harder to become UK City of Culture 2021 than Paisley, and campaigners there have earned their just rewards by making it through to the final shortlist. Paisley’s bid is predicated on building a strong future based on a celebrated cultural heritage as home to the Paisley Pattern. But, more than that, it has fought a positive and enthusiastic campaign, with massive backing and involvement by residents, whose self-confidence has grown in the process.
As Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson says, Paisley is most definitely “in it to win it”. Paisley wants this. Winning it did wonders for current City of Culture host Hull, and Paisley similarly could expect an immediate £172 million economic boost, hundreds of thousand of visitors, and the creation of nearly 5,000 jobs over ten years.
Our commiserations go to Perth. Taking part has won it friends and now it joins the whole of the country in standing proudly behind Paisley as sole Scottish contender for a prestigious title that should bring real and lasting benefits.
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