There are moments when words aren’t enough to express the depth of our gratitude—this is one of those moments.
Because of YOU, our incredible Paisley Heritage community, we have done it! Our crowdfunder is complete, and thanks to your belief, generosity, and unwavering support, Paisley will soon have its first-ever Heritage Hub.
For years, we have shared Paisley’s rich history through tours, talks, and stories, building a community that values and celebrates our town’s past. Now, together, we have secured a permanent space to preserve and promote our heritage for generations to come. This is more than just a fundraising milestone—it is a testament to the power of community and shared purpose.
A New Home for Paisley’s History
Our new home at 2 County Place, a Category B listed building, will serve as the beating heart of Paisley’s heritage. While working closely with planning officials to honour the building’s historical integrity, we are crafting a space that will bring our town’s stories to life. Our updated shopfront concept for Discover Paisley – Powered by Paisley Tours reflects our vision for a landmark space that invites locals and visitors alike to engage with our past.
Over the past 11 years, we have tirelessly promoted Paisley and its history. Since May alone, we have hosted over 80 guided tours, and with 12 new tour guides currently in training, we are expanding our reach even further. We are also collaborating with Invest in Renfrewshire, Glasgow Life, VisitScotland, UWS, and others to position Paisley as a must-visit heritage destination. Additional funding from The National Lottery and other supporters will help with shop fitting, salaries, and marketing, ensuring our hub’s sustainability.
The Crowdfunder – A Collective Triumph
With £5,430 raised from 187 donations, we surpassed our £5,000 target, securing the future of our Heritage Hub. This success will allow us to:
✔️ Expand our guided tours, increasing footfall and engagement.
✔️ Train local guides, creating opportunities and enriching visitor experiences.
✔️ Preserve Paisley’s archives, safeguarding our town’s legacy.
✔️ Support local businesses by driving heritage-led tourism and economic growth.
This achievement proves that Paisley is more than just a place—it’s a story worth telling, a history worth preserving, and a future worth building.
A Community Effort
We extend our deepest thanks to the businesses and individuals who have supported us along the way. Special appreciation goes to The Tile Bar, ScotCrest, Brick Lane Music Academy CIC, Paisley Art Institute, Multan Tandoori, Kwang Tung, Miller and McClure Opticians, Stafffinders, and Saltire Carpet Cleaning for their generous contributions. Your support has been instrumental in making this dream a reality.
A particular shout-out to Simon Taylor BSc (Hons) MBCS, Director of Datavate, whose expertise has transformed our digital operations, enhancing our efficiency and connectivity. Your commitment and enthusiasm have been invaluable.
A Celebration of Culture & Community
To celebrate Paisley’s cultural heritage and raise additional funds, we hosted a magical Christmas concert on December 20th, featuring the enchanting talents of Pauline Vallance and Daryna Aheienko. Their performances of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and Chopin’s Ballade No. 3 left the audience in awe, filling the room with emotion and festive spirit. Comments from attendees spoke of a night filled with drama, beauty, and a deep appreciation for music’s power to connect us to our past.
What’s Next?
With the crowdfunder complete, the real work begins. Over the coming months, we will finalise plans for the Heritage Hub, train our new tour guides, and continue collaborating with partners to enhance heritage tourism in Paisley. We will also keep you updated on our progress and upcoming events—this journey is just beginning!
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in this vision and being part of this historic moment for Paisley. This is your Heritage Hub, built by and for the community.
Paisley’s past deserves a future—and together, we’re making it happen.
Comments