Thousands turn out for Sma' Shot Day

Jul 7 2009 by Kenneth Speirs, Paisley Daily Express

Thousands of people weaved their way into Paisley town centre to enjoy the Sma’ Shot Day celebrations.

There was a new look for the annual Sma’ Shot Day events this year and this brought a splash of colour to Paisley as the town was filled with music and fun.

Organisers were delighted with the turnout for the traditional workers’ festival that dates back to Victorian times.

Many Buddies joined the Sma’ Shot Day parade from the Dooslan Stane at Brodie Park, down Neilston Road, through Paisley Cross and on to Abbey Close.

As ever, marchers were summoned to the Dooslan Stane by the sound of the Charleston Drum, which was again played by council worker Tony Lawler.

He beat out the rhythm for the entire length of the march.

Dressed in Victorian costumes, the marchers were made up of people of all ages, including members of the town’s historical group the Old Paisley Society.

Also providing musical entertainment were members of Kilbarchan Pipe Band, who had the crowd’s feet tapping with a selection of favourite Scottish tunes.

One of the oldest workers’ festivals in the world, Sma’ Shot Day is a celebration of a 19th century pay dispute won by weavers over their bosses.

The workers were paid per piece for the colourful thread in their yarn and the sma’ shot was the cotton that bound the others together.

However, as it was not visible in the finished garment, the Victorian bosses refused to pay for the cloth.

A political battle ensued, which the workers won, and a July holiday was declared, which was dubbed Sma’ Shot Day.

Organised by Renfrewshire Council, this year’s Sma’ Shot Day event was rejuvenated by extending the festival into the evening.

The highlight of this was a spectacular fire show at Abbey Close that picked up on the theme of the Burning of the Cork, which sees an effigy of a manufacturing boss set alight.

During the day, there were street entertainers, stilt-walkers, a theatre workshop, Radio Clyde roadshow and even a Teen Zone.

Among those who attended the Sma’ Shot Day celebrations was Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP Douglas Alexander, who declared the event a success.

He said: “Like hundreds of other people, I had a great day on Saturday.

“Sma’ Shot Day proved to be a great day for every Buddie.

Events like this don’t just remind us of our proud past, they also bring people together in the town centre, which is important for Paisley’s future.”