City Gate Construction put culture at the heart of Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 this week by revealing that one of its senior staff is an accomplished artist whose generosity is set to help Paisley’s Accord Hospice.

The Paisley 2021 team swung by CGC’s offices as part of its “Culture Tour” seeking out any evidence of culture which its supporters could come up with.

CGC’s timber preservation manager Jim Barrie was the obvious choice to showcase his exceptional talent as an artist.

Now Jim’s striking and colourful interpretation of a cockerel is one of the many works being put up for auction at Paisley’s Accord Hospice Annual Art exhibition next month.

Also exhibiting will be Jim’s good friend – John Damari – a highly-successful Renfrewshire artist who is known internationally for his art work and prolific charity endeavours.

Many of Jim’s colleagues at CGC were unaware of his superb artistic abilities until they learned of his donation to the Accord exhibition.

Managing director Leo Reilly said: “We are totally committed to supporting the Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021. The benefits it will bring to Paisley and Renfrewshire are enormous.

“We are very impressed by Jim’s talent and by his generosity in donating an art work which will raise money for Accord Hospice. We had no idea he was such an accomplished painter but delighted to have such talent on the staff.

“Culture enriches people’s lives whether it is art, music or theatre and CGC is pleased to be helping celebrate local talent as part of the Paisley 2021 Culture Bus Tour.”

Jim’s art is known for its expressive use of vibrant colours using oils on canvas and pigments. He has a growing following among lovers of fine art.

Jim said: “I wanted to do something for Accord Hospice given the fantastic work its staff and supporters do to care for others. Many artists have submitted their work for this art exhibition and we all hope it raises a huge amount of money.”

Earlier this year, CGC were appointed ambassadors for the Bid after the company threw its considerable weight behind the effort.

Sixty CGC vans are now on the road featuring the Paisley 2021 distinctive logo and the firm has also placed a giant sign on a building at its Fulbar Road structural steel fabrication division in the town.

Examples of Jim’s work can be found at www.jimbarrie.co.uk