A Journey Of Discovery

Once you’ve ticked Paisley’s Mural Trail off your list this summer, there’s still plenty more to discover in Scotland’s largest town. Did you know that Paisley has more listed buildings than anywhere else in Scotland outside of Edinburgh? You can see the town’s architectural treasures and learn about its rich history with each building barely more than 10 minutes walking distance apart.

©Muir Media

©Muir Media

©Muir Media PAISLEY ABBEY, ABBEY CLOSE First opened in 1163, the original building was destroyed by fire in 1307 and restored during the 14th Century. The sixth High Steward, Walter, married Marjory Bruce, the daughter of Robert the Bruce in 1315. But the following year, Marjory died at the Abbey following a riding accident nearby, her unborn child survived and became King Robert II of Scotland, the first of the Stewart monarchs. Admire the stonework of the rare 10th Century Barochan Celtic Cross or spot the gargoyle modelled during a refurb to look like one of the monsters from the film Alien.

ST MIRIN’S CATHEDRAL, INCLE STREET Designed by Thomas Baird in the 1930’s, the Cathedral Church of Paisley is dedicated to Saint Mirin, the patron saint of Paisley, and opened its doors in 1932. This fascinating building is neo-Romanesque in style and was raised to cathedral status in 1948, with the bronze statue of St. Mirin situated opposite. With the chancel made principally of Italian marble and colourful tripartite stained-glass windows, one of the most famous architectural features is the pulpit, designed by globally renowned architectural firm Gillespie, Kidd & Coia.

SMA’ SHOT COTTAGES, SMA’ SHOT LANE The Sma’ Shot Cottages provide an insight into two distinct periods of Paisley’s rich weaving history. Visitors immediately step back into the 18th century into a typical weaver’s cottage which was originally built in the 1750s. During summer, fantastic local guides will provide an insight into how a typical weaving family lived and worked during this important period of Paisley’s history.

RUSSELL INSTITUTE, CAUSEYSIDE STREET/NEW STREET Designed by Paisley’s own James Steel Maitland in the mid-1920’s, this category A-listed Art-Deco treasure stands tall on the corner of Causeyside Street and New Street and is another iconic landmark in the town, with visitors greeted by distinctive stone and bronze sculptures at the entrance. The building was commissioned by Miss Agnes Russell to provide child welfare as a memorial to her two late brothers and now acts as a skills development hub.

PAISLEY MUSEUM AND COATS OBSERVATORY, OAKSHAW STREET WEST Operational since 1883, Coats Observatory is Scotland's oldest public observatory, offering visitors the opportunity to view the night sky through the powerful telescopes housed within the building. Part of the museum complex, it is also closed for major refurbishment as part of a four-year £42m transformation. Located in Oakshaw Street West, it is still a must-see sight in the town.