The Paisley Shawls have been unveiled by VisitScotland as being amongst the top 25 objects to have shaped Scotland’s history, as highlighted in a new e-book.

Other items appearing in the list include a Roman distance slab, a medieval football, Antarctic goggles, a carved footprint and a dancing fiddle.

The shawls’ distinctive design originates from India and was first woven in Paisley around 1808.  The town became the epicentre of production for the iconic teardrop pattern over the following century and eventually the names of the town and pattern became synonymous.

The Paisley Shawls - which were popular with Queen Victoria - can be found in Paisley Museum which holds the finest collection of shawls in the world. They symbolise a golden manufacturing era when Scotland, as an active player in the Industrial Revolution, capitalised on the demand for a product.

Compiled for the 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, the 25 objects cover over 5,000 years of Scottish history and span the length and breadth of the country from Shetland to the Scottish Borders.

The objects were selected based on chronological and geographic spread alongside their individual interesting stories. The final 25 were chosen by an expert panel that included representatives from Historic Environment Scotland, National Museums of Scotland, Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and VisitScotland.

VisitScotland hopes that visitors will go on a trail this summer to discover as many of the objects as possible and in turn discover more about Scotland’s fascinating past.

Jean Cameron, Project Director of Paisley's bid to be UK City of Culture 2021, said: "We are delighted VisitScotland has recognised the collection of Paisley shawls as one of the top 25 items to have shaped Scotland's history. At one point in the 19th century the Paisley shawl was the must-have fashion accessory - inspired by Queen Victoria herself wearing one.

"The collection in Paisley Museum is internationally significant and a fascinating showcase of the creativity and craftmanship which defined the town and carried its name around the world. Just as Paisley made textiles, textiles made Paisley, as the wealth of that era shaped the architecture and town still around us today.

"The town's bid to be UK City of Culture 2021 aims to celebrate all of the above, as well as how Paisley's creative legacy can be reinvigorated and reconnected for the 21st century."

Scotland’s History in 25 Objects is now available to download here.

Full list of Scotland’s History in 25 Objects:

1. Barbed Harpoon Point
2. The Orkney Venus
3. Poltalloch Jet Necklace
4. The Carpow Logboat
5. Mousa Broch
6. Roman Distance Slab
7. Carved Footprint
8. St. Martin's Cross
9. The Lewis Chessmen
10. Stone Effigy at Sweetheart Abbey
11. Robert the Bruce Equestrian Statue
12. Honours of Scotland
13. Oldest Football
14. Castle of Mey Tapestry
15. Penicuik Jewels
16. Bonnie Prince Charlie's Travelling Canteen
17. The Gregg Violin
18. Sir Walter Scott's Desk
19. Mackintosh Trail Music Room
20. Paisley Shawls
21. Tom Morris Junior Medal
22. Dallas Dhu Stencil
23. Captain Scott’s Snow Goggles
24. Steam Locomotive "Maude"
25. Dolly the Sheep