Paisley has introduced a wonderful act of social art, in having many artists sponsored to decorate fibreglass lions which have been allowed to roam the town freely. This is part of their planning for the Paisley city of culture bid 2021 and it is one of my favourite things ever. My daughter and I went to find some of them yesterday, me with my camera, she with hers, and in an hour and a half of exploring we found that something magical was happening. people weren’t just looking at the lions, they were talking to each other. People even offered us spare lion maps and made sure we knew about the related smartphone app. Everyone loves them and they make me feel genuinely happy. A few snaps seem to be in order just to give you a flavour. If you like them come to Paisley and see them; it really feels like a wee town on the up again.

These two are of “Glade” by Maureen Rocksmoore. The skipping child was my co-photographer.

This beautiful cat is “Sun Lion” by David Marr. How can that not make you happy? It has inspired the inner Leo in HB here!

Child now munched one presumes!

“Mystique” by Maryann Wright. The town hall behind.

Mystique is guarding the cenotaph/war memorial; I remember hanging out here a lot as a teenager.

“Summer Breeze” by Andrea Cumming

“Roaring 60s” by Deven Bhurke”

“A lion for all Seasons” by Margaret Fraser. This has roamed into a beautiful place in front of the Abbey. (Which has great gargoyles).

This is kind of a favourite. I had to wait 5 minutes for people to clear the scene.

“Babylon Bill” by Alice Dansey-Wright

One final, busy shot of Mystique just to illustrate what is so delightful about this project, they have been unleashed into our midst, and provided there are no maulings, they have totally won the Paisley people over. This is a typical Paisley scene this summer!

I’m officially on board rooting for Paisley again, how could I not be?

I can’t promise not to hunt down the rest of the big kitties!