n By Keith Hatch
Commemoration - Robert Rae and James Smith from the committee
Later three of the dead weavers, James Page, Alexander Miller and James Ainsley, were buried in Calton Burial Ground, which was owned by the master weavers and had only opened that May. Reports suggested 6,000 people attended the funeral - though the journeymen weavers could only afford a plot, and the grave remained unmarked until 1836 when a memorial stone was bought by public subscription.
It is in this burial ground that trade union members recently began organising an annual gathering to remember the fallen workers.
Sadly, Calton Burial Ground has seen better days. The memorial has been damaged and removed by the City Council who shows no interest in protecting this part of the City’s history. The sacrifice of those striking to protect their families and communities from poverty wages is largely forgotten.
But the recently formed Calton Weavers’ Commemorative Committee (CWCC) is campaigning to change that.
The CWCC has been busy since forming, starting by reprinting Elspeth King’s extensive essay and definitive history of the 1787 Weaver’s strike, which included a new preface from Scottish TUC general secretary Roz Foyer.
The committee also produced a commemorative badge, and, with the help of local historian Peter Mortimer, developed a Calton Weavers’ History Walk.
Unite Community member Jim Lister is part of the organising committee. Jim explained that the CWCC has rescued a painting commissioned for the 1987 bi-centenary. “The painting, by renowned Scottish artist, the late Andrew Hay, was commissioned by the T&G, and depicts the massacre of striking weavers. Now, thanks to Unite and the Committee, it has pride of place in the Calton Heritage and Learning Centre.”
“It was unveiled at a short ceremony in December 2024 where Jacqui Wallace, Andrew’s partner, and Danny Miles, vice chair of West of Scotland Unite Community Branch, took part in ensuring the artwork came home to Calton.”
The Committee has also been involved in developing song-writing workshops using the Weavers’ legacy as inspiration resulting in 10 news songs across a range of genres along with other art projects including a series of lino cuts and potential for a new mural. The group has been raising the profile of their campaign by supporting local
31 uniteLANDWORKER Spring 2026
International Workers’ Memorial Day events and putting on events with Unite, including a Great May Day Cabaret last year.
From an informal grouping first meeting in April 2023 the Calton Weavers’ Commemorative Committee is now formally constituted and continues to build widespread support, with a major part of its work being the annual commemoration in the burial ground where speakers, poets and musicians remember the legacy of the Weavers and lay wreaths at the remaining memorial.
Jim said, “We want to build this event over the coming years so that it can become a focal point for working history in Glasgow and remind people of the struggles that workers went through to fight for rights - rights that are constantly under attack even today.”
“As well as hosting an annual commemorative event, the CWCC aims to erect a new memorial and develop a website dedicated to the murdered Weavers’ and their place in the rich working class history of Glasgow.”
Jim Lister
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