Our story & legacy
About us
The SWI’s rich history
The first of the Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes was founded in 1917 in Longniddry, East Lothian, with a clear mission: to empower women, celebrate Scottish culture, and build strong local communities.
As the brainchild of Catherine Blair, an ardent Suffragette, the organisation aimed to rally women in rural areas to help them develop practical skills, share knowledge, and support each other. It quickly became the largest women’s movement In Scotland – a vibrant network where women could learn and share skills, take on leadership roles, and make a difference in their communities.
Today, as the SWI, we are proud of our heritage and delighted to remain women supporting women to live their best lives by experiencing lifelong learning, fun and lasting friendships.
Blending traditional values with modern ideas
The SWI is a place where women get together and thrive. They preserve Scottish traditions in a range of subjects and ‘soft skills’ including embroidery, baking, and basket-making, while also championing important causes like environmental sustainability and community work. The SWI provides a space for personal growth – whether that’s gaining confidence, finding your voice, or making lifelong friendships – all boosting wellbeing along the way.
Throughout its history, the SWI has been a powerful force for community development and has focussed on preserving traditional Scottish crafts, celebrating heritage, and making positive impacts in women’s everyday life.
Today, the SWI ensures that endangered crafts such as Straw Work and Shetland Lace or Sanquhar knitting are passed on and not forgotten. Classes and workshops across the country blend traditional values with modern ideas to build connections, share skills, and empower entrepreneurial women to shape their futures.
Our story is one of resilience, friendship, and growth – strengthened by women supporting women, contributing to Scottish life for more than a century, and inspiring new generations to this day.
Our future
The SWI story is an important one with strong feminist roots, emphasising the vital contributions of Scottish women to the nation’s identity. We are deeply committed to sharing the story of Scotland’s women as their contributions are often overlooked but they are a vital part of the country’s national identity. Yes, the crafts, competitions and country shows are important, but we are Scotland’s largest women’s movement, and we are here to shout about it.
Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The SWI Heritage Project gives us the opportunity to showcase the impact of the SWI in Scotland and is helping to preserve its legacy for future generations.
The project archives, digitises, and preserves physical artefacts and records, safeguarding the SWI’s nationally significant heritage. It is also recording memories from rural women who have been involved with the SWI for decades, ensuring their often-overlooked experiences are not lost. The project has generated significant interest from experts and academics, who recognise the importance of the SWI’s collection to the nation.
Proud to work with
