AND so it came to pass that Paisley did not win with its bid to become the next UK City of Culture (“Proud Paisley’s journey continues despite losing City of Culture bid”, The Herald, December 8). It was good to read that, Paisley being Paisley, there was a sporting round of applause for Coventry at the University of the West of Scotland campus when the announcement was made.

Paisley has faced many downs in its history and will survive this setback. One can think, for example, of the stressful and dramatic experience when it looked as if the army of Bonny Prince Charlie would arrive in the town with ill intent. There was reason for concern because the town has supported the Hanoverian government.

A deputation from Paisley went to meet the prince in Glasgow and they were told that Paisley had to pay a fine of £1,000. Failure to pay would mean the town would be looted. The sum was negotiated down to £500 and paid. Unlike other places, which paid money under duress in this way, Paisley , in spite of numerous efforts, was unsuccessful in securing compensation. It has been estimated that the Government could be due to Paisley more than £40 million.

Compared with that episode, Paisley will dust itself down after hopes were dashed last week and carry on with confidence and pride that it had fought the good fight.

Ian W Thomson,

38 Kirkintilloch Road,

Lenzie.