Paisley Tramways Company
Summary
The Paisley Tramways Company opened for business on the penultimate day of 1885, and a photograph taken on this day clearly shows that staff wore informal but smart attire, comprising: heavy-duty jackets and trousers, shirts and ties, as well as long waterproof oilskin coats and tall bowler hats. This general attire was worn routinely throughout the first decade of operation, however, from the mid 1890s, the company seems to have taken a more relaxed attitude to staff attire, resulting in a much more workman-like appearance. Staff at this time invariably wore a neck scarf rather than a tie, with flat caps preferred to bowler hats. Towards the end of the tramway's life, standards appear to have slipped further, with tramcars looking extremely dilapidated, and staff almost shabby in appearance in comparison to the early years.
In common with the majority of horse tramway operators, no uniform was ever issued, nor was insignia of any kind ever carried, either on hats, caps or jackets.
Photographs of inspectors are unknown, and it is entirely possible that the PTCo never made use of them.
For a history of the Paisley Tramways Company, see: 'Paisley's Trams and Buses' by A W Brotchie and R L Grieves; N B Traction Group (1986).
Images
Horse tram drivers and conductors
Paisley Tramways Company horsecar outside the company depot on the opening day, 30th December 1885. All the tramway staff are smartly turned out in heavy-duty coats (and waterproofs), shirts and ties, along with the tall bowler hats of the period. Photo courtesy of the Tramways and Light Railway Society, with thanks to David Voice.
A very youthful conductor and his driver pose with Horsecar No 47 at the East End Terminus — photo undated, but probably taken in the mid 1890s.
A blow-up of the above photo showing the crew in more detail, both of them wearing informal attire, devoid of any insignia.
Driver and conductor pose for the photographer at Incle Street Depot in 1903, shortly before take-over and closure. By this time, standards of car maintenance and staff attire had evidently slipped considerably. Photo courtesy of the Tramways and Light Railway Society, with thanks to David Voice.