And to mark our celebration of our National Fish and Chips we’re ordering out of Signore Nutini’s, Paolo’s fish supper so can we just rewind?
Si, that one, our favourite Scots-Italian crooner Paolo Nutini, who grew up in the flat above the Castelvecchi chippie in Paisley.
Now Paisley doesn’t crop up as often as it should on Scottish tourist guides.
Particularly as it’s the entry point for visitors to the west of Scotland through Glasgow Airport.
The Paisley pattern
For its size Paisley, with a population of 80,000, certainly punches above its weight.
Around since the 12th century it built itself around the mills and weaving, being on the River Clyde.
And leaving a permanent thread to today through its distinctive plaid Paisley pattern.
Now Paisley’s most famous chippie, he worked in the family business since schooldays, chose singing over frying.
And in so doing followed in the footsteps of a long queue of Paisleyite creatives.
Whose contribution to the town, Scotland and the world is marked in the Paisley Walk of Fame.
Equal in its own way to the best in Hollywood.
Paved with gold
And so Paolo’s paving stone is set in New Street.
Gerry Rafferty, one-time singing companion of Billy Connolly was also a proud Paisleyite.
And is remembered outside the Bungalow music venue on Shuttle Street.
Now actor Gerard Butler may one day get his own star in Tinseltown but is as proud with his Paisley marker.
Outside The Exchange, soon to be Scotland’s first purpose-built youth theatre, on Old Sneddon Street,
Time Travel to Paisley
While the best Doctor Who of them all, David Tennant, has travelled through time but will always count Paisley as his home.
With Buddies, the denonym for Paisley folk, celebrating him close to his old school Paisley Grammar School on Glasgow Road.
The Paisley Walk of Fame also marks Fulton Mackay (Porridge/Local Hero), John Byrne (The Slab Boys), Tom Conti (Shirley Valentine).
And a host of famous sons and the Mills Girls.
These Streets
You can also explore Paisley’s history as a town on that walking trail.
Which will all build up an appetite which can only truly be sated at the Nutini chippie.
Now Alfredo, a Scot of Italian descent from Barga in Tuscany has recently put away his frier.
But he’s still a presence in Castelvecchi.
Where you can order Paolo’s fish supper so can we just rewind?