Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
First Published: 1 December 2021 15:35
Updated: 1 December 2021 15:35
There had never been a permanent memorial to the tragedy in the town centre but as part of the 90th anniversary, artists Rachel Lowther and Kerry Stewart were commissioned to work with the local community to create one.
And their statue – called Rattle/Little Mother – has now been installed in the town’s Dunn Square – close to the former cinema site.
Members of the community gathered for a short ceremony earlier today, hosted by Renfrewshire’s Deputy Provost Cathy McEwan, with speeches from the artists and community representatives, followed by a piper’s lament.
The ceremony was attended by the two of the remaining survivors of the disaster – Robert Pope and Emily Brown, and their families.
The tragedy happened when a smoking film canister caused a panic during a packed children’s matinee with more than 600 children present. The metal gates on the main exit doors had been pulled shut, stopping it from opening, leading to a fatal crush.
Addressing the crowd, Depute Provost Cathy McEwan said: “The event is known as Paisley’s Black Hogmanay and local people still feel the pain of the tragedy very deeply.
“The impact on our community was monumental but Paisley people have real strength and pull together in times of need.
“For the first time, we have a place dedicated to the children and families of the Glen Cinema, within sight of the place itself.”
Artists Rachel Lowther and Kerry Stewart both spoke and thanked all involved in the process and Rachel said in her speech: “The Glen Cinema pierced the heart of Paisley and we are very aware of that pain.
“We hope people will come to love the statue but what matters most to us is we did right by Emily and Robert and the families of the Glen Cinema children.”
And Tony Lawler – one of the working group who helped create the memorial – added: “It is important Paisley town centre has a dedicated memorial to be a focus for the annual commemoration service.
“We will never forget the children of the Glen Cinema... this is a fitting and beautiful memorial and this is their space now.”
To create the memorial, Kerry and Rachel worked with community groups including the STAR Project, Paisley Community Trust, and pupils from Paisley Grammar School.
The memorial was funded by the Rotary Club of Paisley and by Future Paisley – the council-led programme of events and activity using the town's unique culture and heritage to transform its future.
Youngsters will get the chance to meet two of their favourite characters from children's books at Braehead shopping centre tomorrow!
One of Ayrshire's leading hotels has unveiled its plans for new autumn spa breaks for men, women and couples from 1st September until 30th November 2022.
The biggest visual art exhibition Paisley has ever seen - The Big Art Show - will open on Friday 26th August and run until Saturday 26th November!
itison has announced GlasGLOW will return to the Botanic Gardens between 26th October & 6th November, with a blockbuster new show... an epic dinosaur adventure into The Land That Time Forgot!
The UK's biggest National Park was the chosen location for the latest Green Space Dark Skies project, by the outdoor art experts at Walk the Plank.
A scooter spectacular is set to take over Paisley next month as the popular ModStuff event returns to The Spree festival.
Blind athlete Jay Semple is preparing to take part in his 11th Paisley 10k Road Race and he's encouraging others to join him racing around the streets of Paisley.
Beat the Street returns to Renfrewshire and will be played in Paisley for the first time!
On Saturday 10 September, Ben Nevis in the Glen Coe National Scenic Area (NSA) will provide the backdrop to the last Scottish Green Space Dark Skies outdoor artworks.
Over 75 leading finalists have been revealed today for The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022.
Green Space Dark Skies, produced by Walk the Plank and commissioned by UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, has revealed the artists who will bring Scotland's August events to life!
Conifox Adventure Park has today confirmed that they have officially broken a world record for the longest inflatable assault course which sits at a mammoth 568 metres.
Ide MacNeil had a wizard time dressing up as Harry Potter at Braehead shopping centre at the weekend!
From the Costa Del Leith to the Clyde Riviera, IRN-BRU is set to deliver deckchairs and ice-cold cans to Scottish sun-seekers!
Hundreds of children and young people are having a whale of a good time at Renfrewshire Council's summer clubs.
Renfrew's Robertson Park was a sea of tartan on Saturday as Scotland's top pipers and drummers descended on the town for the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition.
It's a kinda magic the way Braehead shopping centre plans to raise money for Glasgow Children's Hospital charity!
XSite Braehead, Scotland's leading entertainment destination, is encouraging visitors to unleash their inner artist this weekend in a bid to raise funds for Glasgow's Children Hospital Charity.
Fans, artists and music labels have just over 24 hours left to submit their favourite Scottish album from the past year for this year's SAY Award.
Walkers, cyclists and public transport users in Renfrewshire are benefitting from discounts at local businesses as part of a year-long active travel campaign.
Work has now started on a transformation of Paisley Arts Centre which will add new modern performance facilities and an extension to the much-loved historic venue.
Locals are being asked for their views on regeneration plans for Causeyside Street in Paisley.
One of Paisley's most famous sons – artist and playwright John Byrne – will be honoured in the new room names for his birthplace's soon-to-be-transformed town hall.
Gardeners in the West of Scotland can show off their green-fingered skills to win a popular gardening contest.
XSite Braehead, Scotland’s leading entertainment destination, launches Vacation XSite, an exciting summer-long event.
John Byrne could have ended up playing in a skiffle band like the hero of his latest musical play, Underwood Lane.
Renfrew's Robertson Park will welcome some of Scotland's top piping talent this July for a new event in Renfrewshire's events calendar.
Thousands turned out to enjoy a day of spectacular parades, performances and live entertainment at Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot Day celebrations!
Alan and Linda Stewart, Co-Owners of Scotland’s largest salon group and multi award winners, Rainbow Room International have received their OBE Award for Services to Hairdressing.
Today, the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award returns for 2022, calling on artists, labels and music fans to submit eligible albums – for free.