Buddies are being urged to dive deeper into their cultural heritage this summer as Paisley's Sma’ Shot Cottages prepare to showcase their offering next month.
The cottages – which offer people a glimpse into the life of a 1750’s weaver – will take centre stage on Saturday, July 1, when Paisley celebrates its industrial past on Sma’ Shot Day.
Held on the first Saturday of July every year, Sma’ Shot Day marks the victory of Paisley weavers in their fight to be paid for the “Sma’ shot”, a small invisible thread sewn into the shawls.
The new table of prices for the Sma’ shot was published on July 1, 1856 and it became a local public holiday thereafter.
The annual event is a highlight for the Sma’ Shot cottages – two cottages which chart the history of Paisley’s weavers and the thread mill industry.
But the Old Paisley Society and its army of volunteers are reminding locals and visitors that they can learn more about their history all summer.
The major tourist attraction tells the story of Paisley and crucially the stories of the local people’s ancestors.
Cath Mitchell, of Old Paisley Society, which owns and runs the Sma’ Shot Cottages, said it was more important than ever for the new generation of Buddies to learn about their shared past.
She said: “Everyone here is so passionate about our shared history and cultural heritage and we want to share that with that with people. Paisley has such a rich history.
“Looking forward to Sma’ Shot Day so many people remember we are here and pay us a visit. But we are not just here for the tourists. Some people who have lived in Paisley all their lives have never been before and we want to change that.”
Tours at the cottage offer people a look around the restored home of Paisley weaver John Aird where they can see the original weaving looms of the time and how weavers lived in the 18th century.
It also includes a insight into the life of a foreman of one Paisley’s thread mills.
The guided tour also touches on other important moments in Paisley’s rich history such as the Paisley Radicals, the Coats family, the Brown and Polson’s flour factory and the famous Robertson’s Marmalade, made in Paisley for over 100 years.
Archie Millar, a volunteer guide at the cottages, said so often locals are amazed at the amount of original features on display from the 18th and 19th century.
He said: “A lot of people who have moved away or have Paisley connections come to the cottages. A few weeks ago we had someone who lived in this cottage until she was three years old and the family moved out. That was before the cottages were resurrected in 1977 and revived into what is here today.
“At the moment, Paisley Museum is closed so it’s Paisley Abbey, the mill and ourselves offering that historical experience.”
The cottages are opened every Wednesday and Saturday between 12noon and 4pm and between 1pm and 5pm on Fridays when the cottage cafe offers afternoon tea with a host of home-based treats.
For more information, log on to smashotcottages.co.uk
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