North Queensferry Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes relaunched after 15 years in abeyance

The Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes is making a return to the village of North Queensferry - 15 years after the group fell into abeyance. The institute has been relaunched in response to calls from local women for a social forum where they could explore their love of arts and crafts. North Queensferry SWRI already has around 20 members, and hopes are high that the Fife institute will continue to grow in the months ahead.

North Queensferry SWRI President Ann Bain says she is delighted at the interest shown from people of all ages in the local community. Members range in age from 40 through to 80, but all share a common bond in their desire to keep alive the skills, traditions and values which are at the heart of rural communities across Scotland.

Mrs Bain, who was brought up with a ’rural going’ mother in Ayrshire, and was a member of the SWRI in Juniper Green, Edinburgh, says, "It has been such a good move and something that has been really welcomed by the local community. We decided to hold a meeting to see if there was enough interest in reforming the institute, and we were delighted by the response. It’s clear from the number of ladies coming along that there was a gap for a group like this, and we are delighted to be able to meet the needs of the village.

"It is really interesting to see how the organisation has come full circle with a new generation of women interested in learning about traditional skills like sewing and knitting. The ladies who come along really appreciate the opportunity to discover new skills in a relaxed and friendly environment."

Anne Montieth, North Queensferry SWRI vice-president, was fundamental in getting the new institute off the ground and believes it will have a positive impact on the local community. She adds, "I think some people may have thought, ’oh no – not another community group’ but we offer something very different. People can be involved as much or as little as they want to be: they can simply use it as an opportunity to come to learn crafts from very skilled demonstrators, hear from very interesting guests speakers, or use it as a social meeting point."

The village of North Queensferry has about 900 residents and previously ladies who wanted to be a part of the WRI movement had to travel to Dalgety Bay or Aberdour. North Queensferry SWRI meets on the fourth Thursday of every month in the village’s church hall.

Isobel Robertson, national chairman of the SWRI, is delighted to see North Queensferry back up and running. She was appointed to the national role earlier this year, and says she became acutely aware during her first months in post that the SWRI was undergoing something of a resurgence. She says, "I attend many events across Scotland in my role as national chairman and I am always surprised by the amount of women who come forward to say that they are interested in joining and want to know how to go about it.

"The SWRI is just as relevant to women today as it was when it was first launched almost 100 years ago because it is based on the values of education, friendship and fun. Although many people join SWRI because of the opportunity learn craft and baking skills, they will find that we can offer a very varied programme with something for everyone."

Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes is one of the largest women’s organisations in Scotland and celebrated its 90th birthday in 2007. It boasts around 20,000 members, in 33 Federations throughout Scotland, from as far north as Shetland to Wigtownshire in the South West.