Paisley is the largest town in the counties of Scotland Renfrewshire (historic), and the administrative centre of the Renfrewshire council areas of Scotland, in the west central Lowlands of Scotland.
It is situated on the northern edge of the Gleniffer Braes, straddling the banks of the White Cart Water. The town, a former burgh, forms a contiguous urban area with Greater Glasgow, Glasgow City Centre being to the east. The town came to prominence with the establishment of Paisley Abbey, which formerly had control over the other churches in the local area.
By the 19th century, Paisley had established itself as a centre of the weaving industry, giving its name to the Paisley Shawl and the Paisley (design). The town's associations with political Radicalism (historical) were highlighted by its involvement in the Radical War of 1820, with striking weavers being instrumental in the protests.
