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Thousands turn out for Sma' Shot Day
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Four and a half thousand people turned out to one of the oldest workers' festivals in the world at the weekend.
The weather didn't spoil the occasion for Paisley's annual Sma' Shot Day celebrations held on Saturday 5 July.
The traditional event celebrates the weavers' victory over the mill owners of 19th century Paisley, who refused to pay them for the Sma' (small) Shot thread which was unseen but held together the famous Paisley patterned cashmere shawls.
The weather didn't spoil the occasion for Paisley's annual Sma' Shot Day celebrations held on Saturday 5 July.
The traditional event celebrates the weavers' victory over the mill owners of 19th century Paisley, who refused to pay them for the Sma' (small) Shot thread which was unseen but held together the famous Paisley patterned cashmere shawls.
The day kicked off at 11am when the parade set off from Brodie Park and weaved its way through the town centre to Abbey Close beside Paisley Town Hall.
Renfrewshire's Provost Celia Lawson joined the procession wearing the traditional Paisley Patterned shawl, led by the Charleston Drum which was traditionally beaten to rally the weavers in protest. Outside the town hall, Ellen Farmer, of Paisley Historical Society gave a speech introduced by the Provost.
Families enjoyed a variety of entertainment including stalls, funfairs, music and the re-enactment of the Sma' Shot story, including the burning of 'The Cork', told by PACE theatre company. Loud 'n' Proud also celebrated the Charleston Drum with a drumming extravaganza.
Renfrewshire's Provost Celia Lawson said: "It was a great day. People weren't put off by the weather and the numbers were up on previous years. It was a good march and a great day was had by all."
The Sma' Shot Day celebrations coincided with the Danny Kyle Memorial Concert held in Paisley Town Hall that night. The concert brought together a host of musicians and acts to pay tribute to the popular folk musician on the tenth anniversary of his death. Comedian Billy Connolly even made an on-screen appearance in a specially-filmed message of him talking about his best friend Danny Kyle. All of the acts playing on the night were influenced by Danny who helped launch the careers of many other folk acts.
Provost Lawson said: "The Danny Kyle Memorial Concert was a very fitting tribute and we hope to have something similar again next year."
Press release: Wednesday 9 July 2008
