IT is one of the world’s oldest workers’ festivals and Buddies turned out in their droves for this year’s Sma’ Shot Day parade and Weave Festival in Paisley.
The event stems from a renowned 19th century dispute between the town’s shawl weavers and manufacturers over the workers not being paid for producing the sma’ shot – a fine weft yarn woven into Paisley shawls.
In 1856 an agreement was eventually reached to pay weavers for the work, which triggered the start of this popular, multi-arts festival.
This year the Sma’ Shot parade was inspired by the weavers’ annual holiday trip “doon the watter” which saw Paisley’s town centre transformed into a seaside, complete with a sandy beach and other attractions.
Visitors watched the Sma’ Shot parade and the traditional burning of the cork, along with outdoor performances, which included live music and weaving demonstrations.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here