Paisley

In the 12th century many abbeys and monasteries were set up across Scotland, including Paisley. King Robert II of Scotland was born here in 1316 when his heavily pregnant mother fell from her horse nearby; she did not survive the Caesarian delivery. In the 16th century Reformation the abbeys were smashed, but Paisley's was already in such poor condition that the reformers hardly bothered with it, though the monks were disbanded. The west side remained in use as a church but the east was a ruin until the 19th century when it was restored, so what you see today is mostly Victorian. It's now a Church of Scotland parish church, entry on Sunday is only for services. Note the royal tombs, stained glass windows, choir and organ. The star attraction is only open on special occasions: lots of old churches have holy relics, but Paisley has a wondrous drain of the 14th century. It's 90 m long, 2 m tall and 2 m wide, and normally flooded, though you can take a virtual tour. Some of what they found within it is on display in the abbey, but not everything fortunately.

Thomas Coats founded the multi-national company J & P Coats, makers of sewing thread, zip fasteners and other sundries. He contributed to many local initiatives including restoration of the abbey, and after his death in 1883 his family built this impressive church, almost as large as the abbey. It's of red sandstone in neo-Gothic style. It's now closed as a Baptist church and has been refurbished as an event space. You can admire the exterior anytime and might sneak a peek inside if you wear a suit with buttonhole sprig.

"Sma' shot" is a reinforcing fine thread in garments, invisible in the finished product. These 18th- and 19th-century dwellings housed weavers during the "cottage industry" era, when they were independent artisans who owned and plied their own looms. Later came the mills, with powered looms and mass production, and a division into wage-earning labourers and wealthy mill owners that changed society even more than it changed the textiles. The three cottages are furnished to different styles across this era. (They're not affected by the re-vamp of the main museum.)

Small museum (not affected by the re-vamp of the main museum) depicts the thread industry in Paisley. Park in the Business Centre but register your car immediately with reception.

Built in 1931 (its predecessor of 1808 was the first post-Reformation RC church in Scotland) and promoted to cathedral in 1948.

Cottage built in 1723 for linen weaving.

With a leisure pool (the "flume" is just a conventional slide) plus sports hall and gym. Pay and display parking which you can redeem if using the centre.

"The Saints" play soccer in the Scottish Premiership, the top tier. Their home ground, now sponsored as SMISA Stadium (capacity 8000) is northwest of town centre near Paisley St James railway station.