Modern twist to Sma’ Shot

Jul 3 2009 by Kenneth Speirs, Paisley Daily Express

THOUSANDS of Buddies will take to the streets of Paisley tomorrow to enjoy Sma’ Shot Day – and there will be a new look to this year’s celebrations.

Sma’ Shot Day 2009 promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a carnival atmosphere being brought to the historic event.

This year, there will be street entertainers, stilt-walkers, a theatre workshop and even a Teen Zone.

One of the oldest workers’ festivals in the world, Sma’ Shot Day is a celebration of a pay dispute won by weavers over 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 long fight and political battle ensued, which the workers won, and a July holiday was declared, which was dubbed Sma’ Shot Day.

Traditionally, present-day participants in the Sma’ Shot Day parade muster at the dooslan stane in Brodie Park and then make their way down Neilston Road and onto Abbey Close and Paisley Cross.

There will be no change to that this year but, as well as the Victorian- inspired element, there will be plenty of the modern day added for the first time.

This includes several evening events and a spectacular fire show when Abbey Close will be transformed into a theatre of sound and light.

The traditional burning of the Cork – an effigy of a manufacturer – will take place there too.

Renfrewshire Provost Celia Lawson said: “Our new brand identity for Paisley is Proud Past - Promising Future and I can’t think of a better day for that to be celebrated to its full extent.

“Sma’ Shot is one of the most important traditions in Paisley and this day will be a chance to celebrate the town’s heritage in style.

“The event this year has been completely rejuvenated, with the fire show in particular promising to be the highlight.

“The extensive craft fair which we have on offer this year is also sure to be a big draw.

“By turning Sma’ Shot Day into a proper festival and giving it the higher profile it deserves, we hope to attract as many visitors as locals to come in and see what we can offer in Paisley.

“The extended festival is just one of many new initiatives we are staging to celebrate our culture.”

The Sma’ Shot Day parade will leave Brodie Park at noon tomorrow and make its way to the town centre, arriving about 45 minutes later.

A roadshow hosted by Radio Clyde will take place throughout the day and there will be lots of stalls and entertainment for all the family.