Paisley is often considered the
biggest town in Scotland, and gave its name to the distinctive kidney-shaped
"paisley pattern" and the
Paisley shawl. Textile and thread manufacture were long the mainstay of Paisley's industry, due to the damp climate and plentiful water, and by the 19th century, the town was a major centre for the
weaving industry. Paisley has a long association with political
Radicalism, highlighted by its involvement in the
Radical War of 1820, with striking weavers being instrumental in the protests. By 1993, all of Paisley's mills had closed, although they are memorialised in the town's museums and civic history. The decline of industry in the town has led to urban recession, and in 2006, the district of
Ferguslie Park was named one of Scotland's most deprived areas by what was then the Scottish Executive. In 2015, the town launched its bid to become UK City of Culture in 2021, becoming one of the five shortlisted candidates, before eventually losing out to
Coventry. The constituency features four railway stations,
a major hospital and several notable churches. Most noticeable among the buildings of Paisley is
Paisley Abbey in the centre of the town, which dates from the 12th century. Nearby lies
St Mirin's Cathedral which is the seat of the Catholic
Bishop of Paisley. ==Members==