A Scottish Government Minister has praised the innovative work of Scotland’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).
Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur made the comments as he visited Paisley as part of Scotland Loves Local Week.
On a tour organised by Paisley First and Scotland’s Towns Partnership, Mr Arthur saw for himself the vision and innovation being harnessed to help the town prosper.
Speaking to Scotland’s Improvement Districts, the Minister said: “Business Improvement Districts are extremely important.
“One of the great strengths of BIDs is the range of innovation we are seeing over a number of years.
“Seeing the work first-hand here in Paisley is inspiring and can serve as an inspiration to many other BIDs across Scotland.”
During his visit, Mr Arthur was briefed on ambitious plans to turn the former Mannequins nightclub on Old Sneddon Street into Scotland’s first dedicated theatre for children, young people and families to be called The Exchange – the new home of PACE Youth Theatre.
And he chatted about the importance of people getting behind family businesses with Alfredo Nutini at his fish and chip shop, Castelvecchi, outside which sits the star celebrating the businessman’s superstar singer son Paolo on the recently launched Buddie Walk of Fame, pictured below.
Mr Arthur also joined Paisley First in singing the Scotland Loves Local Pledge, a commitment to thinking local first and supporting local businesses whenever it is possible to do so.
He said: “Local businesses are the bedrock of our communities and support more than 1.2 million jobs throughout Scotland, which is why I am delighted to support Scotland Loves Local Week 2024.
“Shopping locally helps to keep businesses open, people in jobs and prosperity in our villages, towns and cities.
“The Scottish Government continues to work closely with Scotland’s Towns Partnership to drive forward the Scotland Loves Local campaign, which puts localism and thriving town centres at the heart of a green, fair and growing economy.”
Mr Arthur, the MSP for Renfrewshire South, was accompanied on his town centre tour by Paisley MSP George Adam and Paisley First chair, Elaine Templeton.
At The Art Department, on Causeyside Street, Outspoken Arts Creative Director, Steven Thomson, took him through the organisation’s journey of turning the former Allders Department Store into a pop-up arts venue.
Its latest major event – the Big Art Show, Paisley – runs from August 30 until November 16 and features over 1500 artworks from all over the world.
Commenting on the visit, Steven Thomson said: “We were delighted to welcome the Employment and Investment Minister to Paisley today – showing his support for the vital regeneration of Paisley Town Centre, both in terms of its buildings, its economy and its people.
“A vital focus for our organisation is growing cultural activity and improving health and wellbeing, as well as creating new spheres of professional development and youth employment.”
In the floor above The Art Department, Mr Arthur met PACE Theatre Company chief executive Grant Mason, who showed him the amazing temporary pop-up performance space they have created in the building while pursuing its ambitious plans for Exchange on Old Sneddon Street.
Grant said: “We firmly believe in the role that the creative arts can play in the regeneration of our towns.
“Our space in The Art Department is now home to a thriving programme of arts activity for young people aged 3 – 21 and their families; and we believe that once Exchange opens, it will establish Paisley as a major hub for children and young people’s theatre and a vibrant cultural destination, whilst also boosting the local economy by increasing visitors to the town.”
Meanwhile, Paisley First signalled its mission to encourage its members to support other local businesses by signing the Scotland Loves Local Pledge.
Elaine Templeton, who co-owns a popular town centre cafe, said: “We are delighted to lend our support to the pledge and to see the minister sign it in Paisley too.
“Choosing local is something we can all do in our home and working lives. It protects jobs, businesses and means we can make this an even better place to live, work and visit. We cannot underestimate the tremendous difference this will make in our town’s future.”
Scotland Loves Local Week is organised by STP, which spearheads the wider Scotland Loves Local with the support of the Scottish Government, to a shine spotlight on both the need to support local businesses and innovative projects taking place to help rejuvenate communities.
STP is also the parent organisation of Scotland’s Improvement Districts.
The organisation’s chair, Professor Leigh Sparks, and chief officer, Kimberley Guthrie, joined the minister on the visit.
People, businesses and organisations are being urged to show their support by signing the Scotland Loves Local Pledge here.
