Thousands turn out to celebrate Sma Shot Day

Thousands turned out to take a trip ‘doon the watter’ to mark Paisley’s radical weavers at the annual Sma’ Shot Day and Weave Festival celebrations at the weekend!

The event attracted more than 12,000 people to the town to enjoy a diverse range of cultural performances and events including one of the world’s oldest workers’ festivals – Sma’ Shot Day.

This year’s theme marked the weavers’ annual holiday where they would traditionally go on a trip to the coast and it proved to be particularly apt as the sun shone on Paisley giving a real holiday atmosphere.

Paisley’s radical history began as a result of the famous dispute between the local shawl weavers and manufacturers in the 19th century. The sma’ shot was a fine weft yarn, woven into Paisley shawls by the weavers, which they were not paid for. An agreement was finally reached to pay for the sma’ shot in 1856.

More than 450 costumed performers, artists, community groups and families took part in the Sma’ Shot parade led by the Charleston Drum – the traditional way of calling out the weavers for the annual festival.

This year's parade, programmed by Bridgeman Arts, had the added spectacle of an 18-metre steam boat float to signify the weavers’ annual holiday where they would traditionally take a trip ‘doon the watter’.

Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron, said: “The Sma’ Shot Day parade is a firm favourite in the calendar each year and it was great to see so many local community groups take part and entertain the crowds.

“Seeing this popular day grow to now incorporate the Weave Festival gives even more opportunity to bring cultural activities to the area. Events like this help attract visitors to the town which is not only good for local businesses but allows us to continue to share Paisley’s unique story.”

As part of the day’s events a Youth Poetry Slam took place at the Dooslan Stane stage where a number of young people shared their experiences through spoken word performances – carrying on the town’s rich heritage of activism. This element of the day was tied into the wider Year of Young People 2018 programme which aims to give young people a stronger voice on issues which affect their lives, showcase their ideas and talents, and ultimately, create a more positive perception of them in society.

Osama Nadeem from Renfrewshire Youth Voice, said: “Being part of the parade helps to showcase young people’s involvement in the community and also highlight the many youth groups out there in the area.”

The fun-packed afternoon featured around 30 shows in Paisley’s historic town centre with highlights including a seaside experience where families could relax in the sand, weaving demonstrations and a poetry slam, storytelling sessions, and a series of talks, workshops and demonstrations from local artists and designers!

Last Updated: 9 July 2018 20:31

Source: Renfrewshire Council

Latest Local News

Refugee crisis: A local charity tackle inequality through education

The Bakhsh Foundation is a not-for profit organisation which aims to empower refugees and asylum seekers who have had to flee their home countries due to conflict, persecution or natural disaster.

Last Updated: 14th November 2018

Flip Out unveils year two of its school scheme, offering 10,000 hours of free jumping

Flip Out Glasgow has unveiled year two of its initiative for schools, offering 10,000 hours of free jumping to primary and secondary pupils across Greater Glasgow.

Last Updated: 14th November 2018

Santa Claus is coming to town for Paisley Christmas Lights Switch On

It’s his busiest time of year, so no wonder Santa Claus was spotted getting ship shape for Paisley’s Christmas Lights Switch-On!

Last Updated: 13th November 2018

Renfrewshire pays tribute to the fallen with weekend of remembrance

Communities across Renfrewshire have paid tribute to those lost while serving with the Armed Forces as services took place to mark Remembrance Sunday.

Last Updated: 13th November 2018

Johnstone High creates a war memorial to mark former pupils who perished in the Great War

The 45 names etched in copper provide a snapshot of the harrowing impact of the Great War on just one Renfrewshire school.

Last Updated: 13th November 2018

Work set to begin on temporary Paisley Central Library at Lagoon Leisure Centre

Work will start on a new temporary Paisley Central Library at the Lagoon Leisure Centre from November 12th 2018.

Last Updated: 7th November 2018

Spree festival hailed as biggest and best yet!

Organisers have hailed this year’s The Spree festival as “our biggest and best” as figures show the 2018 edition of the popular event was the best-attended yet!

Last Updated: 6th November 2018

Ploughlo Grittini, Thawin Batty and Tony Gritzpatrick set to keep local roads clear this winter

The votes have been counted and verified and the nine winners have been revealed as Renfrewshire’s #NameOurGritters competition comes to a close.

Last Updated: 2nd November 2018

Paisley Fireworks Spectacular Cancelled

Due to the adverse weather forecast for tomorrow the annual Paisley Fireworks Spectacular has unfortunately been cancelled.

Last Updated: 2nd November 2018

Names of WW1 Fallen to illuminate Scottish Parliament as mark of respect

The names of all those who died serving on behalf of Scotland in the First World War will be projected onto the Scottish Parliament building on Sunday 11 November 2018.

Last Updated: 2nd November 2018

Paisley set for 90s themed fireworks spectacular

Paisley is set for a special 90s themed fireworks spectacular as the town’s annual display takes place on Saturday 3rd November!

Last Updated: 1st November 2018

Explore the Christmas markets with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts

Nothing signals the beginning of the festive season quite like the arrival of a Christmas market!

Last Updated: 1st November 2018

Over 30,000 people attend the annual Paisley Halloween Festival!

An estimated crowd of 34,000 flocked to Paisley for a Halloween spectacle at the weekend with amazing floats, flying witches and a Mardi-Gras style parade!

Last Updated: 29th October 2018

Expect a spook at Boden Boooooo

Halloween at Boden Boo promises to be a fang-tastic evening, with storytelling, terrifying trails, arts and crafts and traditional Halloween activities for all the family!

Last Updated: 25th October 2018

Celtic Connections 2019 Programme Announced

Musicians from across the globe will take part in over 300 events across Glasgow for the largest winter music festival of its kind and the UK's premier celebration of Celtic music, Celtic Connections!

Last Updated: 25th October 2018

VisitScotland launches a new Ghost Trail of Scotland in time for Halloween!

Scotland’s bloody past has left its mark on the country in the form of a new Ghost Trail created by VisitScotland!

Last Updated: 23rd October 2018

Countdown to Halloween Festival inspired by the dark witch history of Paisley

The countdown is on to Paisley’s hugely popular Halloween Festival on Saturday, 27 October.

Last Updated: 22nd October 2018

Could your little one light up Renfrewshire this Christmas

Switching on the Christmas lights is a dream come true, and this year it will be a reality for three lucky school pupils!

Last Updated: 22nd October 2018

Gear Up as Resonate Total Gaming arrives in Glasgow

Scotland’s largest gaming event, Resonate Total Gaming, returns to SEC, Glasgow this week from 19 - 21 October promising the ultimate gaming experience.

Last Updated: 17th October 2018

Happy 80th Birthday, Beano

Long-standing comic Beano turned 80 this year and continues to break the record for longest-running comic published weekly with every issue.

Last Updated: 10th October 2018

Paisley to host scooter spectacular when ModStuff rides out again

Paisley town centre will once again be at the centre of a scooter spectacular when the ever-popular ModStuff event returns to the annual Spree festival.

Last Updated: 10th October 2018

Spree festival fun set to go Renfrewshire wide

Paisley's Spree festival is hitting the road – with the Spree for All fringe festival taking some of the area’s finest musical talent to all corners of Renfrewshire!

Last Updated: 9th October 2018

Indepen Dance is back out on the road with the award winning show, Four Go Wild in Wellies

Glasgow's leading inclusive dance organisation, return home to start its Autumn tour of Four Go Wild in Wellies on Thursday 18th October!

Last Updated: 9th October 2018

Get involved with Fun Palaces Scotland this weekend 6th and 7th October

Come join our free Fun Palaces all across Scotland celebrating culture in the community this weekend!

Last Updated: 5th October 2018

Renfrewshire Winter events programme set to go off with a bang with Fireworks extravaganza

Renfrewshire is gearing up for a spectacular winter events season with lots of free fun for all the family!

Last Updated: 5th October 2018

Celebrate World Porridge Day on October 10th!

Mary’s Meals is inviting people to celebrate World Porridge Day on Wednesday, 10 October, by supporting its Porridge Smiles campaign!

Last Updated: 4th October 2018

Things that go Zip in the Night

Go Ape Aberfoyle is inviting adventurers to experience the forest after hours and take on the challenge of one of Britain’s longest zipwires with just the moon for light.

Last Updated: 4th October 2018

Name Our Gritters Competition

As Renfrewshire's gritters start their engines ahead of the winter period, they’re set for brand-new names as part of the annual #RenReady campaign!

Last Updated: 3rd October 2018

Hundreds team up to make it a Spotless September in Renfrewshire

Volunteers from across Renfrewshire hailed the Spotless September Challenge a success as they took to the streets to make a difference to the cleanliness of their local area.

Last Updated: 3rd October 2018

Bewitching Paisley

‘Totally wicked’ – that is the verdict from eight-year old Lily Blake on Paisley’s forthcoming Halloween Festival and annual celebration of the spooky and macabre!

Last Updated: 2nd October 2018