RESIDENTS of a Catalan village dubbed “mini Paisley” have praised the “altruism and kindness” of a Scottish-led fundraising campaign established to help the area after it was devastated by heavy flooding.

Borgonya, a small settlement of around 300 people north of Barcelona, enjoys a link to the Renfrewshire town that dates back to the 19th century, when textile giants Coats established a mill in the region, employing hundreds of expatriate workers and building homes for them.

The connection endures to this day through streets with Scottish names, while the local football club, CD Borgonya, play in the same black-and-white stripes as Paisley-based St Mirren and have a saltire on their club crest.

The village, including the football stadium, was recently badly damaged by the heavy storms that swept across Iberia earlier this month, prompting Kenny Steele, a St Mirren fan on holiday in the area at the time, to set up a crowdfunding page to help with the restoration efforts.

St Mirren supporters and other sympathisers have raised more than £1600, with representatives from the football club and other residents grateful for their support.

Player Marco Grigioni said: “We are very grateful for their involvement and support.”