The view from the stage in Paisley Town Hall

Opened in 1882, 18 years after George Aitken Clark of the Anchor Mill had left £20,000 for its construction. His will stipulated that there should be a "reading and smoking room for the Lower Classes". The hall had a capacity of 2000 when built but due to modern fire regulations this has been reduced to 800. The final cost of construction is thought to have been £100,000