The statue of Robert Burns in Paisley - the story behind it!

Since Robert Burns popularized Scottish poetry, Paisley has been a steadfast follower. The town has always been home to local poets, many of whom transcended the role of simple versifiers. The influence of Robert Burns remains strong in Paisley, where, at one point, multiple Burns clubs thrived. Today, only the Paisley Burns Club and the Alamo Burns Club endure, while the “Espedair” and “Thistle” clubs have faded into local lore. The people of Paisley take immense pride in Robert Burns, especially since he immortalized the town's renowned weaving industry by featuring a Paisley shawl on the witch from “Tam O' Shanter.” In his love song, “The Gallant Weaver,” he beautifully captured the essence of our town's river, “Where Cart rins rowin' to the sea.” Yet, for the residents of Paisley, pride alone is insufficient. They have long aspired to honor the bard with a more tangible tribute, believing that a statue in the town center would be a fitting homage. After all, the town has successfully erected stunning bronze statues in the abbey grounds to commemorate two of Burns' disciples, Robert Tannahill and Alexander Wilson. The funds for these statues were generated by the choirs of the renowned Glen Concerts. Between 1893 and 1894, J. Roy Fraser led the Glen Concert Choir in performances of Burns' songs, attracting large audiences and raising enough funds to commission a statue of the poet. In 1893, a Burns monument committee was formed, comprising several esteemed gentlemen from Paisley, all ardent admirers of Burns. By 1894, they enlisted the talents of a distinguished London sculptor to create what would become one of the largest statues of the poet in the world. The sculptor, Frederick W. Pomeroy R.A., was already well-regarded in Paisley for his impressive sculpted frieze completed in 1891 for the new Country Buildings on St. James Street. By selecting Pomeroy for this new statue, Paisley ensured the creation of a remarkable work of art that would stand as a unique tribute to their beloved bard.