Tony Lawler: 33 Years at the Heart of Sma’ Shot Day

Today, on Sma’ Shot Day 2025, Paisley marks not just a proud tradition, but the end of an era. For the first time in over three decades, the sound of the Charleston Drum will echo through the town without Tony Lawler leading the way.

After 33 years as the face – and heartbeat – of Paisley’s iconic Sma’ Shot Day parade, Tony has passed the sticks to his close friend Tommy McGrory. And while someone new may now carry the drum, the story it tells will forever bear Tony’s imprint.

What Is the Sma’ Shot and Why Does It Matter?

To understand Tony’s role, you first need to know the story of the sma’ shot itself – a small, unseen cotton thread once used by Paisley’s weavers to bind weft threads into the warp of their famous shawls. Because it was invisible in the final product, manufacturers – known locally as corks – refused to pay for it.

The weavers were left with no choice but to buy the sma’ shot themselves. Without it, the fabric would fall apart – and without that fabric, the weavers weren’t paid at all.

A long and bitter dispute followed, and in moments of protest, the Charleston Drum was rolled through the streets of Paisley to summon the workers. That sound became a call for justice – a symbol of unity, resilience, and local pride.

After the weavers won the right to be paid for their work, the first Saturday in July – once a traditional weavers' holiday – was renamed Sma’ Shot Day in 1856. It remains one of Scotland’s oldest workers' festivals, and one of the most radical and heartfelt events in the Renfrewshire calendar.

Tony Lawler and the Charleston Drum

Tony Lawler didn’t just carry the Charleston Drum. He carried the story behind it.

Since the early 1990s, Tony has led the Sma’ Shot Day parade with energy, warmth and unwavering pride. He marched through rain and shine, waved to generations of local children, sparked cheers from the crowd, and turned a historical symbol into a living tradition.

His presence reminded us that Sma’ Shot Day isn’t just a festival – it’s a statement. A reminder that Paisley’s past is one of resistance, determination and working-class strength.

More Than a Parade: Tony’s Work Behind the Scenes

Tony’s contribution to Paisley’s heritage didn’t stop at the parade route. As a long-serving member of the Paisley Development Trust, he played a key role in preserving the town’s history and culture.

His work helped restore the Russell Institute, one of Paisley’s most striking buildings. He was central to the creation of the Glen Cinema Memorial, ensuring that the memory of the tragic events of 1929 would never be forgotten. He also championed projects like the Horseshoe Tondo, a powerful piece of public art celebrating the lives and struggles of local people.

Through it all, Tony’s belief was simple but powerful: heritage is not just about buildings. It’s about people. Memory. Dignity. Community.

An Honour Well Earned

In 2012, Tony Lawler was awarded the Honorary Freedom of Renfrewshire – one of the county’s highest civic honours. It recognised not only his role as Charleston Drummer, but his decades of work in supporting Paisley’s cultural regeneration.

Today, his name stands proudly among those who’ve made a lasting difference to this town.

A Final Word of Thanks

As Paisley once again comes alive with colour, sound and celebration, we take a moment to honour Tony Lawler – not just for what he’s done, but for what he’s represented.

For 33 years, he’s reminded us of who we are. He’s carried the stories that others forgot. And he’s done it all with humour, humility and heart.

Enjoy your well-earned rest, Tony. And thank you – from everyone at Paisley Heritage, and from every person who ever stood on the kerb and felt something stir as that drum came down the Causeyside.