IT is obviously disappointing that Paisley was unsuccessful in its bid to become UK City of Culture 2021. But the town should be immensely proud of what it has achieved. Coventry also deserves congratulations. I am sure the city’s cultural programme will inspire us all.

Despite losing, there is still a fantastic opportunity to harness the momentum and collective goodwill built up over the period of Paisley’s UK City of Culture campaign. In particular, many local businesses have already shown an active commitment to get behind the bid and work in partnership with the local arts and heritage communities to deliver an outstanding programme of cultural activity in Paisley. Many elements of that programme could still happen.

In that context, Arts & Business Scotland’s Culture & Business Fund Scotland stands ready to offer match funding to local businesses supporting local cultural projects in and around Paisley. We will be continuing discussions with local businesses and cultural organisations in the months ahead with a view to hopefully making that happen.
David Watt
Chief executive, Arts & Business Scotland