Paisley Heritage

Paisley Heritage Visit paisleyheritage.org.uk or paisleytours.org.uk. SC053848, registered 10 December 2024). Drone Disclaimer
All drone activities comply with regulations.
(5)

Founded in 2013, Paisley Heritage is a UK charity & tourism group with 12 expert guides, celebrating Paisley’s rich history through photography, storytelling & guided tours. Contact Details
General Enquiries: [email protected]
Event Enquiries: Rachael Smith (Event Manager): [email protected]

About Us
Paisley Heritage, established in 2013, operates as both a limited compa

ny and a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO no. We celebrate Paisley’s abundant cultural legacy through:

Our Charity at PaisleyHeritage.org.uk
Our Tour Company at PaisleyTours.org.uk

Our monthly Podcast: “All About Paisley”, presenting fresh perspectives on the town’s culture, community, and current topics beyond history: https://www.youtube.com/

To learn more about our charitable status, please visit our OSCR listing: https://www.oscr.org.uk/about-charities/search-the-register/charity-details?number=SC053848

What We Do

ours & Experiences: Led by 12 expert guides, we reveal Paisley’s stories, traditions, and landmarks. Community & Education: As a charity, we collaborate with local heritage and tourism organisations, advancing education, arts, and culture through workshops, events, and heritage projects. Online Store: Purchases of prints, cups, T-shirts, books, and jewellery at PaisleyHeritage.org.uk support our outreach efforts, including care home visits and cultural preservation initiatives. Get Involved
Join our global community of “Buddies” by sharing images, stories, and insights. Our online platforms welcome over 2 million visitors each month, reflecting Paisley’s growing recognition as a hub of heritage and culture. Follow us on YouTube and Twitter () to stay informed and inspired by this exceptional Scottish town. Our qualified pilot co-ordinates with airports and the police to ensure safe, respectful operations. Copyright Disclaimer
Most images are provided by the Paisley Heritage Library and owned by OneRen (Renfrewshire Leisure Limited). All rights remain with their respective copyright holders. Local Heritage & Cultural Organisation
Coats Memorial: https://www.coatsmemorial.org/
Mike McCallum Outdoors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/667451144638072
Paisley Abbey: https://www.paisleyabbey.org.uk/
Paisley People's Archive: https://www.paisleypeoplesarchive.org/
Paisley threadmill museum: https://paisleythreadmill.co.uk/
Renfrewshire Tapestry: https://www.facebook.com/RenfrewshireTapestry
Renfrewshire Witch Hunt 1697: https://www.facebook.com/rwh1697/
Sma' Shot Cottages: http://smashot.co.uk/

Thank you for supporting Paisley Heritage as we preserve the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.ue history!

04/01/2025

It’s time to get the party started and lift the curtain on some huge plans for Paisley Heritage this year! 🎉🎥✨

📅 Mark your calendars:
Thursday, 9th January – the big reveal day.

👀 Curious? Intrigued? Excited?
This is your chance to rediscover Paisley like never before. We’re thinking BIG as usual, and this time, it’s a game-changer that’s going to make history.

Well Street and King Street, Paisley 1884🎨 Artist: Eben H. Murray (active 1880–1886)This evocative 19th-century painting...
04/01/2025

Well Street and King Street, Paisley 1884

🎨 Artist: Eben H. Murray (active 1880–1886)

This evocative 19th-century painting captures a pastoral view of Well Street and King Street in Paisley, blending urban life with the surrounding natural beauty. Set against a soft, golden sky, Eben H. Murray invites us into a serene rural scene, where sheep graze peacefully in the foreground while the town, including its iconic domed architecture of the John Neilson Institute and church spires, rises behind.

Eben H. Murray was active as a painter during the 1880s, producing works that often depicted landscapes and urban scenes. This piece reflects the harmony between nature and industry during a time of transformation in Paisley’s history.

🖼️ Image Credit: Paisley Museum and Art Galleries, Renfrewshire Council Collections

These amazing shots of two Brown & Polson vehicles were sent to us by Gordon Alexander, showcasing the timeless design a...
04/01/2025

These amazing shots of two Brown & Polson vehicles were sent to us by Gordon Alexander, showcasing the timeless design and craftsmanship of these classic machines. Capturing both the details and the essence of the vehicles, these images offer a glimpse into the heritage of Brown & Polson. A huge thank you to Gordon for sharing these remarkable photos with us!

Capturing a pivotal moment in Paisley's history: tram lines being installed on Paisley High Street in 1903. The Paisley ...
04/01/2025

Capturing a pivotal moment in Paisley's history: tram lines being installed on Paisley High Street in 1903. The Paisley District Tramways Company operated tramway services in the area from 1903 to 1923, transforming local transport and connecting communities during a period of rapid industrial and urban growth. These are some of our favourite photos of the town, showcasing its rich history and character. Does anyone have stories or family connections to this era of tram travel?

An amazing photograph of The Cross, taken in the 1950s, capturing a moment in time that reflects the charm and character...
04/01/2025

An amazing photograph of The Cross, taken in the 1950s, capturing a moment in time that reflects the charm and character of the era. Life was vastly different then—fewer cars, local shops bustling with community spirit, and a slower, more personal pace of life compared to today’s modern hustle

Thank you to Pearl Wight for sharing this stunning photograph of the historic John Neilson Institution last year. Built ...
04/01/2025

Thank you to Pearl Wight for sharing this stunning photograph of the historic John Neilson Institution last year. Built in 1807, this magnificent building originally served as a school, established to provide education to the local community, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds. Funded by John Neilson, a philanthropist and businessman, it stood as a beacon of learning and opportunity in its time. Does anyone know of family members or ancestors who attended this iconic institution? We'd love to hear your stories!

Paisley Cross 1947
03/01/2025

Paisley Cross 1947

The Brown & Polson Starch Works in Paisley was the site of a devastating explosion in 1964, a tragedy that changed safet...
03/01/2025

The Brown & Polson Starch Works in Paisley was the site of a devastating explosion in 1964, a tragedy that changed safety protocols across the industry. During the unloading of a starch powder truck, static electricity discharged, sparking a catastrophic dust explosion. The factory, which had grills instead of solid floors, was filled with fine starch dust. Over time, dust had accumulated on windowsills, making the environment extremely hazardous. A minor electrical fault on the ground floor triggered a small dust explosion, dislodging vast amounts of dust into the air.

The resulting explosion was massive, destroying the building and killing five workers. The factory's walls, two feet thick, were unable to withstand the force. This disaster exposed the dangers of static electricity and dust accumulation in industrial settings. In response, the industry adopted earthing of loading equipment as a standard safety measure, significantly improving the protection of workers in similar environments.

This tragic event not only underscored the importance of safety protocols but also led to wider changes in how industries manage dust and electrical hazards, preventing future disasters and saving countless lives.

This stunning image has been shared with us, showcasing one of the competition concept designs for the Paisley Town Hall...
03/01/2025

This stunning image has been shared with us, showcasing one of the competition concept designs for the Paisley Town Hall. The design beautifully incorporates the iconic bridge and the Abbey in the background, perfectly blending historical and modern architectural elements. The attention to detail and thoughtfulness behind the vision really stand out in this concept.

A huge thank you to Steven Adams for sharing this remarkable piece of work with us. It's truly inspiring to see such creative and innovative designs coming to life!

Quite the subtle photie used here 🤣
02/01/2025

Quite the subtle photie used here 🤣

Paisley Heritage started out on social media site Facebook over 11 years ago and, after a steady growth since being founded, it's the dawn of a new era.

02/01/2025

Photo credit Raymond Robertson

We are delighted to share this incredible photograph taken in March 1927, capturing a historic moment when Princess Mary...
02/01/2025

We are delighted to share this incredible photograph taken in March 1927, capturing a historic moment when Princess Mary visited to officially open the Russell Institute. This wonderful image was sent to us by Janetta Martin, whose grandfather is pictured behind the wheel, driving Her Royal Highness Princess Mary. We are truly grateful to Janetta for sharing this treasured family photograph with us. Thank you so much for contributing!

01/01/2025

Happy new year! 🥳

Happy New Year Paisley! Coming into 2025, we have some fantastic news for you. Over the last few months, we have been in...
01/01/2025

Happy New Year Paisley! Coming into 2025, we have some fantastic news for you. Over the last few months, we have been in conversations with the family of Harry Hornby, Paisley's iconic photographer, with a view to digitising his phenomenal collection.

Why? So that we can share his work with all, we want to preserve his legacy and celebrate this rich history of the town.

Today, we’re delighted to share a never-before-seen photograph from Harry’s archives. This image captures Paisley in full bloom, a stunning reminder of the beauty and spirit of our town.

We’re committed to preserving Harry’s work as he intended, timeless and unaltered, so that everyone can enjoy these treasures as they were meant to be seen.

Watch this space for many, many more of Harry's fantastic images, which we will be sharing regularly over the coming year. Let's celebrate Paisley's past with us and take its stories forward into the future.

An aerial view of Brown & Polson's Starch Works on Falside Road, Paisley, a key industrial site for the town. Originally...
01/01/2025

An aerial view of Brown & Polson's Starch Works on Falside Road, Paisley, a key industrial site for the town. Originally established for starch production, the factory transitioned in the mid-1960s to manufacturing Knorr stock cubes and soups. At its peak, the facility was a significant employer in the area, contributing to Paisley's industrial heritage. The factory closed in 2002 due to the steady relocation of production to modernised plants in France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Posted on Picture This Scotland

01/01/2025

As the clock strikes midnight, we’re reflecting on an incredible year of shared stories, rich history, and amazing connections within our Paisley Heritage community. Your contributions have made this page a hub of memories, knowledge, and passion for our town’s past.

In 2024, we’ve uncovered new chapters of Paisley’s history, rekindled old memories, and built a community like no other. We’re thrilled to continue our exciting journey in 2025 as both a registered charity and a tour company. This dual role allows us to further engage with the people of Paisley, share our town’s incredible stories, and promote Paisley to the world through unique tours that celebrate our rich heritage.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re making Paisley’s rich history shine brighter than ever. Here’s to an exciting year ahead, filled with more discoveries, more connections, and more opportunities to share our amazing town with the world!

Cheers to a bright and historic 2025! 🥂

With gratitude,
The Paisley Heritage Team

Address

Paisley

Website

https://www.paisleyheritage.org.uk/, https://www.paisleyt

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Paisley Heritage posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Paisley Heritage:

Videos

Share