Scotland Loves Local Creative Town Award
Winner: Paisley First Business Improvement District
A marvellous mural trail credited with injecting colour and pride into a town centre has seen a community crowned for its creativity.
The work in Paisley – led by Paisley First Business Improvement District – was recognised with the Creative Town prize at the Scotland Loves Local Awards.
Judges heard how the Paisley First Mural Trail – created using local artists – had boosted the look and feel of the town, with one creation involving a competition to find a local child to feature. Another was supported by the NHS to raise awareness about mental health.
Interviewed as part of the celebration, Natalie McShane, of Paisley First Business Improvement District, said: “Paisley has always been rich in culture with lots of talented Buddies in the music and art worlds.
“The murals help people around the town centre to re-engage with their history and take pride in their heritage.
“They encourage young people to engage with their heritage and be curious not just about Paisley’s past, but engage more with Paisley’s present and hopefully inspire them for Paisley’s future.
“There are more listed buildings in Paisley than anywhere else in Scotland outside of Edinburgh. It’s great to be able to pay tribute to these wonderful buildings. There are some real hidden gems in Paisley town centre.”
Runners - Up
The Institute of Local Television, Sanquhar: This is a project where artistic creativity has triggered community regeneration, with work including the transformation of the Dumfries and Galloway town’s former lemonade factory into a gallery, the conversion of an abandoned abattoir into a Museum of Model Art, the establishment of Sanquhar Arts Festival, creation of a Cultural Quarter and the development of arts and cultural tourism.
Impact Arts and West Kilbride Community Initiative: Together, these organisations have championed the Craft Town message in West Kilbride, North Ayrshire, with extensive work ranging from a training programme for unemployed or underemployed makers and artists, which benefited hundreds of people, to the creation of studios, planting and maintaining gardens and developing a nature reserve at a local quarry. Their plans for the future are equally as ambitious and extensive.
Creative Town was sponsored by Creative Scotland
