PICTURES: Strathpeffer Pavilion Highland banner display proves an inspirational showcase with women's unique work in the spotlight
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A DISPLAY of unique banners lovingly made by hand to celebrate 100 years of votes for women is already inspiring the next generation of Ross-shire youngsters.
Three Highland Women Making History banners – part of a UK-wide project linking in with the anniversary – were displayed last week at Strathpeffer Pavilion.
If the ghost of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst was around, she would doubtless have approved of the scene in an iconic venue in which she once gave a passionate address before the long-awaited landmark in democracy was achieved.
One schoolgirl who took in the exhibition declared it made her feel “as though I can do anything – including playing rugby”.
She was one of many who left comments after looking at the banners, one featuring a rugby shirt donated by Strathpeffer-based MSP Maree Todd who plays the game and helped stitch part of the shirt into the fabric of the bigger piece.
Around 150 people came from all around the country to see them on display in the Pavilion’s veranda and to a Friday evening reception.
Maree Todd told of her memories of the amazing day in June 2018 walking with the tens of thousands of women in Edinburgh with banners and how inspiring it had been.
Molly Nolan highlighted the role of Highland women who give so much to the community and how they have inspired her return to the region from the United States.
There was much enthusiasm for the banners and many suggestions for a Highland tour. Local artist Lizzie McDougall plans taking one to Dingwall Academy soon.
Ms McDougall, who coordinated the event, said it was heartening to see the response.
She said: “I am incredibly grateful to everyone who came. It was lovely meeting so many interesting people and also thankful to the Pavilion and Caring and Sharing Inverness for their support.”
Three short films were screened on the big screen that shared the bigger project https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IzcZabkm4c&t=163s
Highland banners raiseds for special event
