Founders and Givers

Walter Fitzalan (d.1177), the founder of Paisley Abbey, was High Steward to King David I of Scotland. His descendants, the Stewarts, became Scotland's royal house and retained the title of their ancestral lands. Even today, after the Union of the Crowns, the Prince of Wales is also Baron Renfrew.

Margaret Hutcheson died in 1795 and left money, made by her brothers in the West Indies, for a Charity School for orphans. The remains of the building are incorporated in Oakshaw Trinity Church's halls. Look out for the words 'Hutcheson's Charity School 1822' in the wall.

Paisley liberal MP William Dunn (1833-1912) gave money to create Dunn Square for the town to enjoy. His gift is commemorated by the Art Nouveau drinking fountain of a mother and children called Love's Young Jealousies, sculpted by Archibald MacFarlene.