WATCH: Paisley in multi-million pound bid to be crowned UK city of culture
The Renfrewshire town's £56million pound plan for the status is being launched today
A £56 million plan to create a national museum of textile and design in a town famous for its historic mills has been unveiled.
It is part of Paisley's bid to be named UK City of Culture 2021 and involves creating a hub to build links with national museums, international institutions and local art groups.
The proposals focus on building on the town's historic textile and weaving industries, which created the Paisley Shawl and the famous Paisley Pattern.
A £500,000 "cultural pot'' is to be established to support community projects, while the architecture of the town and buildings such as the 12th-century Paisley Abbey will also be promoted under the plans.
Renfrewshire Council leaders believe the regeneration of the culture sector could help support 250 new jobs and bring £88 million to the local economy.
Paisley's bid to succeed Hull as City of Culture is to be officially launched in a two-day event over Friday and Saturday, including a light show projected on to the abbey.
Those attending are being encouraged to wear the Paisley Pattern.
Council leader Mark Macmillan said: "Paisley was once at the heart of the global textile industry and by connecting that heritage to the future through a new transformed museum, we aim to bring the world to Paisley.
"The museum will become the cultural, social and economic heart of the town.
It will be transformed for tourists and local families alike, and be the base for extensive community outreach supporting weaving, natural history, science and nature.
"By forging links with national museums and international institutions, local art groups and academic partners, we want to put Paisley at the heart of the world's cultural map.''