Trust’s focus puts delivery of ‘High Street’
Cinema in the picture

Paisley Community Trust (PCT), a Charitable organisation which focuses on community driven economic regeneration for Paisley, have today announced the appointment of 3 new trustees to the Board. Established in 2014, Paisley Community Trust has been at the centre of plans to deliver community focused regeneration to the town. In 2019, the Trust narrowed its focus to the creation of a Community Cinema and Hub within the High Street. Cinema within the High Street is one of the core ideas at the centre of the ‘Vision for Paisley Town Centre 2030’ proposal issued by Renfrewshire Council in partnership with the Scottish Government, Scotland’s Towns Partnership and developed by Threesixty Architecture.

Joining the board is Tony Lawler, Annette Armstrong and Cameron Swanson.

Tony Lawler is perhaps most recognised as ‘The Charleston Drummer’ who leads the annual Sma’ Shot parade. A recipient of the Freedom of Renfrewshire award, Tony was former Trustee at Paisley Development Trust where he was lead and host of the annual Hogmanay Commemoration of the Glen Cinema disaster. Tony is a qualified Youth and Community worker and an active member of the Foxbar and Brediland Community Council.

Tony said“I’m really pleased to be joining PCT. It’s important that the community is involved and at the heart of the regeneration of our Town and Paisley Community Trust is key to that. The plan for a Community Cinema and hub right in the Town centre is really exciting and will set the scene in the Town centre for years to come.”

Experienced Business Woman and Owner of Armstrong Massage Therapy in Paisley Annette Armstrong has experience working in the Health, Wellness & Fitness industry. Annette is skilled in Management, Customer Experience, Business Development, Advertising, and Customer Service. She has strong utilities and healthcare services expertise with an even stronger Marketing background working with companies such as O2, Scottish Power and Scottish Water.

Cameron Swanson has recently graduated with a Master’s Degree in Aero-Mechanical Engineering from the University of Strathclyde. He currently works within the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland in Inchinnan. However, Cameron’s passion is for Paisley’s Architecture and heritage, having gained appreciation working as an assistant to Queen’s Sculptor Sandy Stoddart. Cameron has created and produced over 200 3D computer models of the town including Coats, Paisley Abbey and the Town Hall.

“Watching the increasing momentum of Paisley Community Trust in recent times encouraged me to get involved. The latest revealed work around a High Street Cinema is an inspiring forward-looking project giving an idea of what Paisley could be. I look forward to discovering the needs and wants of the town and help in someway to shape a better future for Paisley together with the other experienced board members.”

Gary Kerr, Chairman of Paisley Community Trust said “It’s great to see the board at Paisley Community Trust attract such expertise and talent. Tony, Annette and Cameron bring considerable skills, knowledge and passion to the Trust. This will be instrumental as we take the next steps forward to play our part in the regeneration of the town. The entire board look forward to working with them over the coming months.”

Newly appointed Trustee Annette Armstrong responded, “Paisley Community Trust are a fantastic organisation who work hard to drive community focused regeneration in the town. Their plans for a Community Cinema in the High Street is just the start. I’ve been keen for some time to play my part and delighted to be finally joining along with Tony and Cameron. I look forward to building greater relationships with our members and communities to really understand the needs in the town.”