TOWN WITH THE CROWN

Paisley celebrates after being named the best in Scotland

- EXPRESS REPORTER

Paisley has today been crowned as Scotland's Town of the Year.

Judges in the Scotland Loves Local Awards bestowed the title after being impressed by the critical point reached in the town's "resurgence" amid unprecedented investment in its future.

It comes as new businesses open, new homes are built, and a new state-of-the-art secondary school and transformed Paisley Museum are due to reopen next year.

Kimberley Guthrie, chief officer of awards organisers Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP), said: "Incredibly special things are happening in Paisley.

"The town is on a remarkable journey of reinvention and rejuvenation which has evolved over the past decade, kick-started by major cultural regeneration.

"There's real energy thanks to the creativity, innovation and collaboration which has unlocked investment and renewed confidence.

"This is a place where new businesses want to be - where people want to live and visit.

"It has a unique story and character. It has a fascinating past. But it is also forging a new future. While so much has been achieved, the most exciting thing about Paisley is that there is so much more to come. I'm delighted that it's our Town of the Year. What's happening here can inspire so many others."

STV weather presenter Sean Batty - a Paisley "Buddie" who grew up in the town - celebrated the title win with community champions.

The Scotland Loves Local ambassador said: "I love that my home town is Scotland's Town of the Year.

"Like everywhere, there have been challenges over the years, but the town's entering a new era.

"In every corner of Paisley there's something happening right now, which is fantastic to see."

As confidence in Paisley grows, so too has business, with about 20 new enterprises - mostly independent and locally-owned - opening so far this year.