COMMUNITY leaders across Renfrewshire have vowed to back Paisley if the town decides to bid again for UK City of Culture.

Despite the town losing out on the 2021 title to Coventry last week, councillors and bid bosses have insisted the town can “still achieve great things”, and many have said the whole of Renfrewshire has reaped the benefits of going for the crown.

Councillor Iain Nicolson, chair of the Paisley 2021 partnership board, even admitted another bid for the title may be something that happens in the future and colleagues representing Johnstone, Renfrew and other areas, have pledged their backing.

Cllr Emma Rodden, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, said: “It was a great disappointment to the people of Renfrewshire to be unsuccessful in their bid for City of Culture 2021.

“We are however, left with a legacy of increased pride and belief in our towns.

“The bid allowed us to see the area through fresh eyes and realise once again how rich in culture and heritage Renfrewshire as a whole is.

“Because of this renewed enthusiasm, I don’t believe we walk away at a loss, but rather with a huge sense of accomplishment.

“If the time and the circumstances were right, I would back any future projects to raise Renfrewshire’s profile.”

Paisley was up against Stoke-on-Trent, Swansea and Sunderland as well as winners Coventry and was odds on favourite to take the title according to bookies Ladbrokes.

It was also the first town ever to make the shortlist in the competition, seeing off city rivals Perth to make the second stage.

Cllr Lisa-Marie Hughes, representative for Renfrew North and Braehead and member of the bid board, said: “If there was a decision that we were to re-apply, I would be supportive. It has been a hugely positive experience.

“What’s interesting though is hearing people of the town say that as long as we keep momentum, the bid has already changed what Paisley will be in 2021.

“Obviously Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Leisure will be continuing with the investment in the town hall, museum, arts centre and library, so despite not winning, Paisley will still be a cultural destination.”

Cllr Nicolson said: “We were very much in it to win it – but the disappointment of missing out is eased by knowing how much stronger we are for taking part.

“The bid boosted Paisley’s reputation, created new awareness of why we matter to Scotland, the UK, and the world, and raised our profile to unprecedented levels.

“We now have a platform from which to attract the type of footfall, investment and partnership we couldn’t have attracted before.

“I think going for another bid in the future would be a logical move but it will be down to the bid partners to look at feedback and decide from there.”