Bill Wilson MSP

Wilson Sings Praises of Voices in Paisley:  “Boosts Town’s International Profile and Reinforces Reputation as Centre for the Arts.”

In the course of a member’s debate today on the Paisley Festival Company and Voices in Paisley festival 2008 Dr Bill Wilson, SNP MSP for the West of Scotland, praised all involved in the festival and its fringe, Fringe Voices.

He said, “Voices in Paisley 2008 and Fringe Voices 2008 showcased not only regional and national talent, but also featured a healthy sprinkling of international performers, thus helping to reinforce Paisley’s reputation as a regional and national centre for the vocal arts, and to boost its international profile.”

He noted that both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child mention the right to participate in the arts.  Accordingly, he welcomed the many events featuring young performers and the fact that many of the Fringe Voices events were free.  He said, “Not only was there the series of Young Artists events, but there was also a competition for young soloists up to the age of 18 to compete in Scots song, musical theatre and other categories.”

Bill closed, “In conclusion, I congratulate all involved in Voices in Paisley, including Renfrewshire Council who have been very supportive and have promoted Paisley as Scotland's Choir Town.  I am very happy to commend Ms Alexander’s Motion, and I thank her for lodging it.”

Notes to Editors

1.  Text of the Motion Debated

S3M-2657 Ms Wendy Alexander: Paisley Festival Company/Voices in Paisley 2008—That the Parliament congratulates the continued success of the Paisley Festival Company and the Voices in Paisley 2008 choral programme between 24 October and 8 November 2008; notes that the Paisley Festival Company is a recognised Scottish charity committed to increasing the accessibility and impact on the local community through a wide variety of magnificent music and choral events from classical through to folk and jazz, and notes the company’s aims to establish Paisley and its environs as a nationally-recognised centre for all types of choral activity and deserving of the title Scotland’s Choir Town.

2.  Paisley Festival Company/Voices in Paisley