Paisley, Scotland’s largest town, has been contributing to the world stage for centuries and now Paisley Buddies from the world of stage, screen, music, art and sport – who have made a significant impact on the local community – are being honoured in the Buddie Walk of Fame – a stars in the pavement trail, Hollywood Boulevard-style, on the streets of Paisley.
Featuring the town’s sons and daughters as voted for by the people of the Paisley, the first ten ‘stars’ include:
- John Byrne, outside Paisley Library, High Street
- Gerry Rafferty, outside The Bungalow music venue on Shuttle Street
- Tom Conti, outside newly refurbished Paisley Arts Centre, on New Street
- Paolo Nutini, outside Castlevecchi, his parent’s chip shop, on New Street
- Phyllis Logan’s star is on Causeyside Street, outside Phelps Butchers
- David Tennant’s stone is on Glasgow Road, close to his former school, Paisley Grammar
- Gerard Butler’s is outside The Exchange – on Old Sneddon Street – soon to be Scotland’s first purpose-built Youth Theatre
- Actor Fulton Mackay’s stone is on Gilmour Street
- Local boxing legend, Norrie Sweeney, will have his unveiled on Storie Street, close to his old boxing gym
- And last but not least, Paisley’s Mill Girls have been commemorated with a stone situated on Bridge Street, overlooking the old mill with landmarks, Paisley Abbey and Paisley Town Hall in the background
Printed copies of an accompanying Guide to the Buddie Walk of Fame will be available soon, you can download a digital version by clicking the front cover below or clicking HERE.
Actor, Tom Conti, said: “Well, well. Paisley versus Hollywood Boulevard but without the hands. It’s very nice to be remembered in this way. Paisley has punched above its weight in producing successful people. I wish all ‘buddies’ well.”
Celie Byrne, John Byrne’s daughter, commented: “My dad was approached by Natalie at Paisley First about the project before he passed away and as a voracious reader and lover of books and stories, he requested that his stone be outside the new library. I think he’d have been blown away by this tribute to him in his hometown. It’s a great place for his fans to visit and he’s in good company, along with Gerry, Paolo, Tom, Phyllis, David and the other buddies.”
Actor, David Tennant, commented: “I’m honoured to be included in the Buddie Walk of Fame and thanks to everyone who voted for me. I’m proud to have attended Paisley Grammar and I’m delighted that my star is being unveiled outside my old school. I have some great memories of my time at the Grammar, and I will make a point of visiting the spot when I am next in the town.”
Actress, Phyllis Logan, said: “ I am incredibly touched and grateful to the wonderful town of Paisley for including me in the Buddie Walk of Fame. It truly is an honour to be recognised and celebrated by the community that has had a special place in my heart for so many years. This reflects not only my achievements but also the shared stories and experiences we have created together as a community. Thank you.”
The project has been driven by Paisley First, Paisley’s Business Improvement District, which is fully funded by the town centre’s local businesses, along with support from Renfrewshire Council’s Culture, Heritage and Events Fund (CHEF).
Elaine Templeton, Chair, Paisley First, commented: “We were inundated with nominations for the Buddie Walk of Fame, but the people of Paisley made it clear that these were the favourites to be celebrated in this first phase.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors, from all over the world, to follow the trail and enjoy everything our town has to offer.
“The Buddie Walk of Fame truly is the perfect to celebrate the achievements of Buddies the world over and help inspire a younger generation to achieve their dreams.”
It’s hoped this will be phase one of the Buddie Walk of Fame with future phases hopefully in the pipeline.
The Culture Heritage and Event Fund is administered by OneRen on behalf of Renfrewshire Council. It is part of Future Paisley, the council-led programme of events, activity and targeted investment which is using Paisley’s unique and internationally significant story to change its future.
The 10 stones on the trail were created by CED Stone Scotland and their partners Scribble Stone before being installed, free of charge, by John McGeady Limited whose Managing Director, Tom Crumlish, is a Paisley Buddie.
Mark Kenny, Depot Manager at CED Stone Scotland, said: “CED Stone Scotland is used to dealing with unusual projects requiring our knowledge and expertise in natural stone and landscaping products, so when we heard about the Buddie Walk of Fame project, and being from Paisley myself, I knew I had to do what I could to help make this project happen.
“The Buddie Walk of Fame is a fantastic idea as there as so many people from Paisley, past and present, who deserve to be recognised for what they have done for the town.
“This project will fit in well within the scope of other work to regenerate Paisley and encourage more people to visit the town to see some of its stunning buildings and learn about its people and the town’s fascinating history.”
