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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Rebecca Newlands

Paolo Nutini tribute unveiled at his family's chippy in new 'Walk of Fame'

A SPECIAL tribute to Paolo Nutini has been unveiled outside his family's chippy as part of a new Hollywood-style Walk of Fame.

Paisley has become inundated with stone slabs as a special tribute to some of its favourite locals, dubbed the "Buddie Walk of Fame".

The pavement trail honours those from the world of stage, screen, music, art and sport who have made an impact on the local community.

Paolo NutiniPaolo Nutini (Image: Newsquest)

As voted for by the people of the Paisley, the first ten stars are already picked and are being shown. 

Legendary singer-songwriter Nutini's name now sits outside Castelvecchi, his parents' fish and chip shop on New Street.

Alfredo and Linda Nutini proudly stood outside the chippy as their son's star was unveiled.

Alfredo and Linda Nutini outside their family chippy next to their son Paolo's starAlfredo and Linda Nutini outside their family chippy next to their son Paolo's star (Image: Digital Pict Photography Paisley)

Paolo Nutini's starPaolo Nutini's star (Image: Digital Pict Photography Paisley)

Iconic musician Gerry Rafferty of Baker Street fame has his name on a stone outside The Bungalow music venue on Shuttle Street in the town. 

(Image: Paisley First)

Meanwhile, Doctor Who legend David Tennant's name sits on Glasgow Road near his former school Paisley Grammar.

The school's headteacher celebrated the new addition to the school grounds alongside some S6 pupils. 

David Tennant (Image: Newsquest)

(Image: Digital Pict Photography Paisley)

Speaking about the honour, Tennant said: "I'm honoured to be included in the Buddie Walk of Fame and thanks to everyone who voted for me.

"I'm proud to have attended Paisley Grammar and I'm delighted that my star is being unveiled outside my old school.

"I have some great memories of my time at the Grammar, and I will make a point of visiting the spot when I am next in the town."

A star honouring actor Tom Conti sits outside the newly refurbished Paisley Arts Centre on New Street, while Downton Abbey star Phyllis Logan's name is on Causeyside Street, outside Phelps Butchers.

And while playwright John Byrne will never see his stone outside Paisley Library on High Street, the apt location was his suggestion before he sadly died in November 2023.

(Image: Paisley First)

His daughter Celie Byrne said: "My dad was approached by Natalie at Paisley First about the project before he passed away and as a voracious reader and lover of books and stories, he requested that his stone be outside the new library.

"I think he’d have been blown away by this tribute to him in his hometown. It’s a great place for his fans to visit and he’s in good company, along with Gerry, Paolo, Tom, Phyllis and the other Buddies."

Hollywood actor Gerard Butler's name is located outside The Exchange on Old Sneddon Street, which will soon be Scotland’s first purpose-built Youth Theatre.

Members of the PACE theatre group posed for a photo with the silver screen hero. 

(Image: Digital Pict Photography Paisley)

Actor Fulton Mackay’s stone is on Gilmour Street near the train station, while Norrie Sweeney will have his unveiled on Storie Street close to his old boxing gym.

The only group to have a star, Paisley’s Mill Girls will have a stone on Bridge Street, overlooking the old mill against a backdrop of iconic landmarks such as Paisley Abbey and Paisley Town Hall.

Gerard Butler (Image: Newsquest)

Elaine Templeton, chair of Paisley First, said: “We were inundated with nominations for the Buddie Walk of Fame, but the people of Paisley made it clear that these were the favourites to be celebrated in this first phase.

"We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors, from all over the world, to follow the trail and enjoy everything our town has to offer.

“The Buddie Walk of Fame truly is the perfect to celebrate the achievements of Buddies the world over and help inspire a younger generation to achieve their dreams.”

The trail will also feature key landmarks and reflect on the town’s rich heritage, and trail guides are available in printed form or from Paisley First’s website, with plans for introducing a Buddie Walk of Fame app in the future.

It is also hoped that this will be just the first phase in the Buddie Walk of Fame.

The 10 stones on the trail were created by CED Stone Scotland and their partners Scribble Stone before being installed, free of charge, by John McGeady Limited, whose managing director, Tom Crumlish, is a proud Buddie.

Mark Kenny, depot manager at CED Stone Scotland, said: "CED Stone Scotland is used to dealing with unusual projects requiring our knowledge and expertise in natural stone and landscaping products, so when we heard about the Buddie Walk of Fame project, and being from Paisley myself, I knew I had to do what I could to help make this project happen.

“The Buddie Walk of Fame is a fantastic idea as there as so many people from Paisley, past and present, who deserve to be recognised for what they have done for the town.

“This project will fit in well within the scope of other work to regenerate Paisley and encourage more people to visit the town to see some of its stunning buildings and learn about its people and the town’s fascinating history.”

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