The first Women’s Institute was formed in Scotland in Longniddry, East Lothian in 1917. With our office in Edinburgh, 29 Federations and 500 groups across Scotland we are proud to bring women together across the length and breadth of Scotland.
Our vision is for all women to find opportunities with the Scottish Women’s Institutes, an internationally recognised and well-respected membership organisation that is ambitious, relevant, and inclusive.
Scottish Women's Institutes has a rich history across Scotland’s communities, promoting education and connecting women locally and nationally to improve their quality of life through friendship, education, sharing and having fun.
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All women can find opportunities with Scottish Women’s Institutes, an internationally recognised and well-respected membership organisation that is ambitious, relevant, and inclusive.
Scottish Women's Institutes have a rich history across Scotland’s communities, promoting education and connecting women locally and nationally to improve their quality of life through friendship, education, sharing and having fun.
Does our ethos inspire you? Can you help us share them? Join us >
Let’s attract like-minded souls and be known for our strong characteristics.
Do our values inspire you? Can you help us share them? Join us >
OUR VALUES.
Let’s be the best we can be, at all times, and as creatively as we can.
Do our values inspire you? Can you help us share them? Join us >
Let’s showcase the benefits of being Women Together and love what we can offer as a collective.
Do our values inspire you? Can you help us share them? Join us >
The Centenary Banners are on display in the hallway of 42 Heriot Row where everyone is very welcome to view them. The images of the banners are also replicated onto individual pop up banners for each area which can be borrowed from Headquarters for events.
The idea of banners to celebrate the Centenary was first put to the delegates at the Handcrafts and Housewives Conference in Perth Concert Hall in September 2016 by Christine Hutton, National Chairman 2014-2017.
Delegates were enthusiastic and the idea was then discussed by the Executive Committee in November 2016. It was agreed that all Institutes be asked to submit a three inch square in any craft, if they wished. A four inch square of backing material was supplied to every Institute to allow for seams.
By April 2017, 619 squares had been received at Heriot Row. A team was brought together by Linda Retson to construct the banners. The squares were sewn together, put onto backing material and finished with braid and the 'Rural' tartan. Jessie Meikle, in particular with Jan Bryson, Janet Bryson and Mary Reid spent many hours adding the finishings and tartan.
It is estimated that it took over 821 hours to make the banners with approximately 500 metres of stitching.
Thank you to all the members who contributed their talents in making the squares. The banners have been on display at Headquarters since April 2018.
