Sma' Shot Day, Paisley, Scotland

**cessna152towser** · 10th July 13, 02:04 PM

I was born and brought up in Paisley Scotland, famous for Paisley Pattern shawls.
Sma' Shot Day originates from the weaving industry, which, in the 19th century made Paisley and the surrounding area one of the major textile producing areas in the British Empire. The sma' shot was a binding thread which held together the patterned shawls which Paisley is famous for. But, because the sma shot was never seen in the finished shawls the manufacturers refused to pay the weavers for the yarn. After many years of dispute, the weavers won their cause. The traditional July holiday was renamed Sma' Shot Day and is celebrated on the first Saturday in July. On Sma' Shot Day a weavers' march proceeds through Paisley. Starting from the Dooslan Stane in Brodie Park and ending at Abbey Close the march is led by a drummer with a replica of the Charleston Drum and features banners representing Ferguslie, Toonheid, Sandholes, Sneddon, Causeyside, Newtoun and Charleston weavers. Also in the procession is the Cork, an effigy of one of the contemptuous manufacturers, which is burned at the climax of the re-enactment of the Sma' Shot Story.
I was back in Paisley last Saturday with my German fiancee Gabriele to introduce her to my home town's traditions. You can just make out the top part of my Paisley Pattern kilt.

The procession starts in the Charleston district of town where the Charleston Drummer rallies the Weavers. Following the Charleston Drummer is the effigy of The Cork surrounded by the town dignatories.

The Pipe Band leads the groups of weavers representing the various districts of the town.

More to follow shortly.

**cessna152towser** · 10th July 13, 02:19 PM

Weavers in period costume.

Paisley Pattern paving stones.

This season the local soccer team St. Mirren won the Scottish Communities League Cup and the Paisley Panda, team mascot, joined in the parade carrying the Cup.
One more instalment to follow.

**O'Searcaigh** · 10th July 13, 02:51 PM

Fascinating! Nice pictures and great history lesson. Thank you for the informative and entertaining story and for making me a little less ignorant than I was before reading it

**cessna152towser** · 10th July 13, 03:01 PM

The Big Kiltie was at the stalls and played his bagpipes.

Weaving at Sma' Shot Cottages on traditional loom.

The climax of the day's events is the burning of the Cork.

That's all Folks.

**Domehead** · 10th July 13, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

Weavers in period costume.

Paisley Pattern paving stones.

This season the local soccer team St. Mirren won the Scottish Communities League Cup and the Paisley Panda, team mascot, joined in the parade carrying the Cup.
One more instalment to follow.

Ah! Gordon MacQueen (#6) used to play there and Ally MacLeod used to manage the squad before Argentina '78. Soft spot for St. Mirren

The Buddies knocked my Bhoys out that competition.