PAISLEY Museum and the Coats Observatory have been named as four-star visitor attractions by VisitScotland.

The awards, which reflect an excellent standard of welcome, hospitality and service, follow a series of secret inspections by the tourism body.

The Renfrewshire Council attractions were awarded three stars in 2011.

Jim Harte, convener of the council's sport, leisure and culture policy board, said: "Paisley Museum is home to an iconic and nationally significant collection of artefacts including the Arbuthnott Missal.

"Side by side with this mediaeval treasure are contemporary exhibitions, including the incredibly popular Lego Brick City.

"VisitScotland has recognised the sheer quality of the museum and the observatory and the dedication of the employees who make both attractions so welcoming for visitors.

"After the inspection in 2011, the council decided to aim for four stars. An improvement plan was put in place and it is excellent news that our efforts have paid off.

"As part of the improvement plan, we installed a new automated planetarium in the Coats Observatory.

"We also invested £110,000 in a nine-month restoration of the Pillar Gallery.

"During the modernisation, a suspended roof installed in the 1960s was taken down unveiling the Victorian splendour of the original twin barrel vaulted ceiling."

Mr Harte said the council's next target is to gain five stars in 2015.

A VisitScotland four stars rating represents an excellent standard of attraction.

Paisley Museum opened in 1871, was ­designed by the well-known Glasgow architect John Honeyman and paid for by Sir ­Peter Coats of the famous Coats thread manufacturing family.

The museum is home to Paisley Shawl Collection which is a recognised collection of national significance to Scotland.

Coats Observatory opened in 1883 and is the oldest public observatory in Scotland.

It was gifted to the people of Paisley by Thomas Coats and was also designed by John Honeyman.

Last week, the Evening Times reported how a medal, commemorating the opening of the Coats Observatory, had made its way back to Paisley from America.

Fewer than 50 were made and given to dignitaries who attended the opening ceremony.

Observatory officer John Pressly made the rediscovery after he was contacted Scottish Astronomer Royal John Brown of Glasgow University.

He had spotted one of the medals was ­being sold on an internet auction site by an US medal dealer.

The museum managed to obtain the medal and it has now been returned to the town.

A display is being created in the observatory and it is hoped the medal will be go on show to the public in the next couple of months.

On October 1, the observatory celebrated its 130th anniversary with a special programme of astronomical themed events.

In the winter months the observatory opens twice a week to keep up the tradition of allowing the public to look at the night sky through the telescope.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk