A surge of new businesses is poised to power a new era of enterprise in Paisley.
Veteran and newer business owners praised the community spirit and support driving interest and success – with more than 20 new businesses opening so far this year.
They spoke as Paisley was named as Scotland’s Town of the Year in the 2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards.
Elaine Templeton owns Taste Buds cafe on Lawn Street, as well as being chair of Paisley First Business Improvement District.
She said: “There are so many new businesses coming into the town. There’s something that’s exciting people to come in and base themselves here.
“It’s so good – part of the journey to reinvent the town
“So many of the businesses have been small, local and independent. We’ve a real mix of businesses bringing something different, which makes people want to shop locally and spend in the town centre.”
Scott McGinlay launched Paisley Pie Company, which has a bakery and eatery on Causeyside Street, in 2023 after spotting a gap in the market – and an opportunity to create a brand that would attract people to the town.
He said: “It’s the people who make Paisley great – their support. The people of Paisley have backed everything I’ve done. It’s overwhelming to see. There’s a real community spirit about it.”
Justin Mayes is the second generation of his family to run Summits Outdoor, launched almost 40 years ago and now based on Moss Street.
He said: “Paisley’s got a good diverse range of independents, cafes and shops and there’s a good community around that. With Paisley First we have a good backing for the businesses to come together and drive Paisley.
“Independents and wee shops drive a good bit of what Paisley’s about. I ike the town’s depth of history. There’s a lot to the town that people skim over. There’s so much diversity and independence.
“There’s a big drive among everyone, which is really nice. To be Town of the Year feels like a real pat on the back, showing that we’re going in the right direction.
Civic and business leaders believe the landmark investment in the town’s cultural assets – which includes the rebirth of Paisley Town Hall and will see the transformed Paisley Museum reopen next year (2026) – is a catalyst for confidence investing and boosting the town’s wider economy.
Liz Stewart, who opened Finishing Touches on Johnston Street 40 years ago, has seen many eras in the town centre.
She started work as a shop girl in the former Co-op department store in 1966 and was its store manager at the time of its closure to make way for the Paisley Centre.
Speaking about the spirit of the town which has supported her own business, she said: “It’s special here because of the customers – the people in Paisley.
“They’re all friendly, they all know you and come back time and again. I’ve had so many customers who’ve become friends over the years.
“Paisley is a good town with a lot to offer. There are a lot of good, individual businesses. Everyone helps each other out.”
Scotland Loves Local Award judges awarded the Town of the Year title to Paisley after being impressed by the critical point reached in the town’s “resurgence” amid unprecedented investment in its future.
It comes not only as new businesses open, but new homes are built, with a new grammar school under construction – on top of the cultural vision and investment which has taken shape over the past decade.
Spearheaded by STP and supported by the Scottish Government, Scotland Loves Local is the movement encouraging people to create a better future for their community by choosing local.
Businesses in Paisley have been among its most prominent supporters since the initiative was launched – first as a response to the coronavirus pandemic – five years ago.
Read more: The businesses who helped launch Scotland Loves Local – five years on
