Page "University of the West of Scotland" Paragraph 4

At the time of the Industrial Revolution Paisley was renowned for thread weaving.

The Coats mill was run by two brothers, Peter and Thomas Coats.

These men, children of the Age of Enlightenment espoused liberal ideals and became noted philanthropists.

As members of the Philosophical Institution, founded in 1808 the Coats donated a museum and library to the town, funded the building of the Coats observatory and promoted education throughout Paisley.