Celebrating 25 Years of Impact: Setting Community Circus Paisley off to a flying start

20 Jan 2026

  • Arts
  • Impact

As Social Investment Scotland (SIS) marks its 25th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the partnerships that have shaped our journey and the organisations that continue to inspire us. One standout example combines creativity, community, and social impact: Community Circus Paisley.

Founded in 2021, Community Circus Paisley transformed the former St Ninian’s Church in the Ferguslie area of the town into a vibrant hub for the arts and home to Scotland’s only full-size flying trapeze rig. From postnatal classes for new mums to outreach sessions in care homes, the Circus offers opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Beyond performance, its mission tackles social inclusion by building confidence and creating pathways for those often marginalised within their communities.

Shirley Alexander Impact Report 25

When traditional lenders overlooked their ambitions for the circus school, SIS stepped in early to support their vision of a permanent home in a disadvantaged area. As co-founder and director, Shirley Alexander recalls:

“Social Investment Scotland came on board as we incorporated as an organisation, when we were looking for our premises. We needed an investor who understood us and our social impact, and SIS provided a loan that allowed us to buy the church. That initial £85,000 loan has been transformational for us.”

Today, as Community Circus Paisley looks forward to its fifth anniversary, Shirley reflects:

“We continue to work with the SIS team, and that ongoing support has been crucial to our development. SIS are enablers - they’ve provided the finance and guidance we needed to grow.”

From that first loan to today, Community Circus Paisley exemplifies what’s possible when social investment empowers ambition and community vision. We’re proud to have been part of their journey from the very beginning, and we look forward to supporting their continued impact.

🎥 Watch our conversation with Shirley Alexander, co-founder and director of Community Circus Paisley, as she reflects on the role social investment has played in their success.

“We continue to work with the SIS team, and that ongoing support has been crucial to our development. SIS are enablers - they’ve provided the finance and guidance we needed to grow.”

Shirley Alexander, Co-founder and Director, Community Circus Paisley