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Celebrations for the 2024 Sma’ Shot Day will revert to the traditional format after Renfrewshire councillors voted to a squash any planned “downgrading” of the event.
The local authority revealed last month how the parade through Paisley would be re-routed for 2024, there would be no burning of the cork and the stalls and attractions at Abbey Close dropped from proceedings.
Instead, a smaller parade that would lead to the Sma’ Shot Cottages on Shuttle Street was scheduled for what is one of the oldest workers festivals in the world. But following a fierce backlash from proud Buddies, trade unionists and elected representatives alike, a motion to retain the most meaningful elements of the annual celebration was passed at a full meeting of the council on Wednesday.
Councillors Eddie Devine and Carolann Davidson both raised motions at the meeting.
Councillor Devine told the Express: “I was delighted that the council has come together to make sure the historic Sma Shot weavers victory over the Corks (bosses) will continue on its traditional route and indeed it looks like it will be expand into Shuttle Street.
“This is hopefully the start of making it a truly memorable celebration and Paisley can make it into a visitor attraction. I want to thank all the councillors for their support and help in keeping our history alive.”
Hailed as the biggest event in Paisley’s social calendar, Sma’ Shot Day celebrates the historic victory of local weavers who successfully got factories to pay for the Sma’ Shot – the invisible stitch which bound the Paisley shawls.
It is held on the first Saturday of each July – when weaving families would take their holiday ‘doon the watter’.
The event starts with a procession from Brodie Park – where weavers gathered to protest – to Paisley Town Hall for stalls and entertainment and the burning of the cork.
An amendment to Councillor Devine’s motion agreed that there should be “no downgrading of the traditional event; the parade remain largely in line with the traditional route to benefit the public and local traders; additional attractions at Shuttle Street be pursed and any potential shortfall in funding be met by the Paisley Common Good Fund.
The Express revealed last week how Unison, a long-time sponsor of Sma’ Shot Day, agreed to up the money to ensure the burning of the manufacturers’ effigy remains a highlight of the 2024 celebrations.
Explaining union bosses were “concerned” about potential changes, Unison said: “Keeping in mind the reason for the celebration, the historic victory of the weavers against mill owners in the 19th century, it is vital the ethos of the event is maintained and its history is not diluted by cancelling the most meaningful part of it. Unison has offered to sponsor this most symbolic event in an effort to preserve the integrity of this important local commemorative occasion.”
It is understood that it will be burned at Abbey Close as usual.