LOUD N PROUD AIMING LOUDER AND PROUDER

- MPs and MSPs Back Loud n Proud’s Bid for £325,000 Town Centre Cash -

MPs and MSPs met with Tommy McGrory, founder of Loud ‘n’ Proud, to back their groups bid for some of the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund cash. They want to use the cash to part fund the purchase and refurbishment of Paisley Central Halls including the Methodist Church to establish a training and performance venue.

Local MSP Wendy Alexander MSP said:

“My congratulations go to Tommy on the tremendous vision and dedication he has shown in developing and taking forward the Paisley Central Halls Project.”

“I also want to thank the Methodist Church for offering this historic building at such a reasonable price to such a worthy cause.

“Everyone knows about the great musical talent to come out of Paisley, just think of Paolo Nutini, Gerry Rafferty or the band member from Paisley in The Fratellis. A dedicated venue will support the next generation of musical youngsters.”

“Now it’s time for the Scottish Government to step up and deliver with town centre fund cash for this extremely deserving cause.”

Local MP Douglas Alexander said:

“Transforming Paisley Central Halls, if it comes off, will be a massive boost to the town. I’m backing the bid all the way.”

Hugh Henry MSP said:

“In the 70’s and 80’s, Paisley had music venues that were well known all over the country but the 90’s saw a decline in the live music scene. In the last few years however, we’ve seen a revival of live music in Paisley and the bid presents the perfect opportunity for this to continue.”

“If the bid is successful it would provide a 750 seater performance space, a bar/café, recording facilities and much more which people from all over Renfrewshire and indeed the whole of Scotland can enjoy.”

Tommy McGrory, founder of Loud ‘n’ Proud:

“This will be a massive boost for the town not only the town centre if this happens. At the moment there are no facilities in Paisley that are recognised as a ‘music venue’. This facility would cater for a large number of organisations and could become a main attraction for Paisley.”

Loud ‘n’ Proud band member Stuart Conway commented on the project:

“Loud ‘n’ Proud have a number of bands and a rock orchestra which I’ve been a member of for 5 years. It’s not just about the music because we all have a great time together doing what we love. To get the project established in the new building would be fantastic and the success of Loud ‘n’ Proud could be brought to even more people.”