Explore Paisley’s History
Paisley Heritage is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) dedicated to advancing education and promoting understanding of Paisley and Renfrewshire’s history, culture and heritage.
Paisley is one of Scotland’s most historically significant towns, shaped by religion, industry, social reform and global trade. From medieval abbey life to textile innovation, political protest and everyday working lives, the town’s story reaches far beyond what many people expect.
Our role is to research, interpret and share that history in ways that are accessible, accurate and rooted in place.
Paisley history and heritage
Paisley has a long and fascinating history, from its medieval abbey and links to William Wallace, through the Paisley Witch Trials of 1697, to international influence as a centre of weaving and textile design.
Paisley Heritage SCIO exists to advance education and promote public understanding of this story, locally and further afield, by sharing research, talks, projects and interpretation about Paisley and Renfrewshire’s past.
Medieval Paisley and the Abbey
At the heart of the town stands Paisley Abbey, founded in the 12th century and one of Scotland’s most important medieval religious sites. The Abbey was a centre of worship, learning and influence, closely connected to national events and Scotland’s royal history.
William Wallace and early Scottish history
Paisley has historic links to William Wallace, whose life and actions during the Wars of Independence remain a key part of Scotland’s story. Paisley’s location and communities feature in the broader context of Scotland’s struggle for freedom in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
The Paisley Witch Trials of 1697
One of the most discussed episodes in local history is the Paisley Witch Trials of 1697, recognised as the last mass execution for witchcraft in Western Europe. These events reflect belief, power and fear in early modern Scotland and form part of our educational historical interpretation.
Industrial Paisley and the textile revolution
From the 18th century onwards, Paisley became internationally known for its textile industry, especially as the home of the iconic Paisley Pattern and world-renowned thread companies. The town’s mills, labour traditions and global trade connections helped shape economic and social life across Scotland and beyond.
About Paisley Heritage SCIO
As a Scottish charity, Paisley Heritage SCIO is dedicated to:
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advancing education about local history and culture
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promoting awareness of Paisley and Renfrewshire’s heritage
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supporting responsible interpretation of complex historical events
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encouraging curiosity, discussion and pride in place
We do not sell or book tours directly ourselves; our work focuses on research, talks, interpretation and community learning.
Educational Talks
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5 British pounds
Our charitable aims
Through our activities, Paisley Heritage seeks to:
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advance education by promoting knowledge of local history and culture
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increase public understanding of Paisley and Renfrewshire’s heritage
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support responsible engagement with difficult and complex histories
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encourage pride, curiosity and connection within the community
We also recognise the wider role that heritage can play in supporting the cultural life and economic confidence of the area, when approached thoughtfully and responsibly.
Guided heritage tours and bookings
To help people explore Paisley’s history in person, we work in partnership with Paisley Tours, a local social enterprise that offers guided walking tours of Paisley’s heritage. These tours cover key themes from medieval history and industrial development to social history and the witch trials.
👉 Visit Paisley Tours to view and book a tour
This link will take you to an external website operated by Paisley Tours.