A Paisley building once described as a “burnt out shell with £70 sitting in the bank” is now ready to rock, just two years after facing an uncertain future.
The Kerr Building at 14 William Street has undergone a dramatic transformation, emerging as a new hub for live music and creative talent, thanks to the combined efforts of dedicated volunteers, generous benefactors and key local supporters.
Tommy McGrory, who has been closely involved in the project, reflected on the scale of the turnaround, admitting that the situation once seemed bleak.
The words that greet you on entering the Kerr building is …. When I think of Paisley, I think of everything that has shaped my life .. Paolo Nutini
“At one point it was little more than a burnt out shell with £70 sitting in the bank,” he said. “To see where we are now is nothing short of incredible. None of this would have been possible without the help of so many people who believed in the vision.”
He paid tribute to the wide range of supporters who helped make the project a reality, including Renfrewshire Council, grant funders, crowdfunders and builders, all of whom have played a vital role in laying the foundations for the next generation of musical talent in the town.
“The solid foundations that are now in place will support young musicians for years to come,” Tommy added. “This isn’t just about a building – it’s about creating opportunity, inspiration and a future for music in Paisley.”
Standing in this freshly restored space feels pretty incredible. After everything that’s happened—the fire, the long months and years of uncertainty—it’s just brilliant to see Loud and Proud Music School back where it belongs: right in the heart of Paisley, buzzing with energy and ready to get loud again.
Provost Cameron said ” Today feels a bit like hearing a favourite song return after a long silence. The doors of Loud and Proud Music School are ‘officially’open once again, and with them comes the energy, hope, and sheer creative mischief that this organisation has always held.
When fire struck, it could easily have ended the story of this building. Instead, it became the beginning of a new chapter. This space was generously gifted by Mr. Gary Kerr to Tommy McGrory and the Loud and Proud community, and that generosity set everything else in motion. With support from many corners—and, I’m pleased to say, Renfrewshire council—we’ve gone from ashes to an even stronger home for young people to learn, experiment, and build confidence through music.
Because that’s what Loud and Proud is. It’s not just a music school—it’s a lifeline for young people in this town. It’s a place where they find confidence, friendship, creativity, and sometimes even a whole new direction in life. Young people who walk in here shy or unsure end up discovering not just music, but a voice—their voice.
What happens here is more than lessons or rehearsals. It’s where the town’s next performers, producers, and dreamers might take their first steps. Paisley is richer—culturally, socially, and emotionally—because this place exists.
Seeing this building open its doors again means that spark keeps going. It means Paisley’s young people still have a place to dream big, make noise, and feel like they belong. The timing is impeccable…..just when Paisleys revival is reaching new levels, so are the ambitions of the Loud n Proud team.
So it’s my job now to finish by thanking everyone who helped keep this wonderful asset in our town , and there are many, from funders, to builders, from the businesses who gave their time free to help, to Elaine, Tommys long suffering wife who has endured countless hours of Tommy moaning about how many walks he’s had to paint. We appreciate every one of you.
Heres to the next chapter of Loud and Proud. Let’s make it louder, prouder, and better than ever.”
The building itself was donated by Gary Kerr, whose contribution proved pivotal in getting the project off the ground and moving it from dream to reality. The transformation work has since turned the once-derelict structure into a space designed to nurture creativity, host performances and strengthen the town’s cultural scene.
Local residents and music lovers have welcomed the revival, seeing it as another positive step in Paisley’s ongoing regeneration and its reputation as a town with a strong artistic heartbeat.
With its doors now open and amplifiers warming up, the Kerr Building stands as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved through community spirit, persistence and a shared belief in the importance of the arts.
From near ruin to rhythm and revival, the Paisley venue is ready to take centre stage once more.
Paisley Photographs 