The SWI is passionate about lifelong learning and helping women live their best lives. With a range of online and in-person events such as Skill Share Sessions, Expert Talks, National Events and Competitions and Celebrity Showcases, there's something for everyone!
21-25 August 2025 | Stirling University
We’re thrilled to announce the 2025 programme for SWI Summer School. Join us for a long weekend of learning, creativity, and fun with like-minded women, all in a stunning environment. Stirling University is set in a beautiful campus environment with modern facilities and comfortable en-suite accommodation. During your stay, you will have access to the university’s grounds, recreational facilities including the gym and Olympic sized swimming pool, and scenic walking trails throughout your stay. The campus offers the perfect blend of learning and leisure opportunities.
We’ve handpicked expert tutors to deliver the very best workshops in a wide range of handcrafts and activities. Each subject will be taught in a focused 3-day workshop, so you can immerse yourself in a single course throughout the weekend.
See all courses here
SWI 2025 Study Tour: Dublin & Ireland's Hidden Heartlands | Operated by Dodds of Troon
Trip date: 13th–17th October 2025
Join us for a delightful 5-day tour exploring the tranquil beauty and rich heritage of Ireland’s hidden heartlands and the vibrant city of Dublin. This tour includes dinner, bed, and breakfast at the 4-star Bloomfield House Hotel and Spa in Mullingar with access to excellent hotel leisure facilities throughout your stay.
To be added to a waiting list please email hello@theswi.org.uk
National Writing Competition | Deadline September 15th 2025 | Open for entries
Theme - The Weather
National Competition | Deadline October 27th 2025 | Open for entries
Theme -The Natural World
Harness the potential of your camera in this year's photography competition. We encourage members to delve into the theme of 'The Natural World' by entering your compelling photos. You can enter 3 photos per £10 entry.
Click here to register and pay on Beacon - Have fun and good luck!
Margaret Whteford Award | Deadline for entries - Friday 25th July 2025
Margaret Whiteford Award for Outstanding Member of the year 2025
The award is named after Margaret Whiteford, who was a member of Ratho SWI. She was passionate about the SWI and enjoyed attending events like the SWI Summer School and Study Tour.
This unique award celebrates members who are great ambassadors for everything we hold dear – friendship, lifelong learning, and sharing skills – and who get the most out of volunteering for the charity. Take your time to think about who goes that extra mile for you/your institute/your Federation?
Details on how to enter - HERE
In person | April 13th | Gillespie Centre, High Street, Biggar | 12.30pm
If you want to make friends and be part of something new and exciting please register to come along, bring a friend or friends to find out more... all women are welcome.
We look forward to seeing you there and you will be welcomed with a complimentary drink and a big friendly smile.
Click to book HERE
Online event | April 24th | 6pm-7pm
The Heritage group meet on a monthly basis to drive forward progress for the SWI Heritage project, with an objective on preparing a ready to go collection for the planned Visitor Learning Centre.
Any member is welcomed to join this group, whether you have a specific story to share or simply want to stay informed, to join us for an informal online evening session.
Join the meeting here.
Fri, 25 Apr 2025 | 10am-12pm | SWI Central Office | £25 MEMBERS
Come join us for a fun-filled day of creativity at our Terrazzo Coaster Workshop! Learn what's terrazzo and how to create your very own coaster from start to finish!
About Lucy - Meet Lucy, the designer behind Polymorphics. With a degree in interior design, Lucy has always been captivated by the interplay of colours, materials, and textures. What sets Lucy's offerings apart is the unique experience of working with eco-friendly resin.
*All materials and refreshments will be provided as part of your ticket.
Book your place HERE.
In person | May 3rd | Re:Hope Church, Gordon Street | 2pm
If you want to make friends and be part of something new and exciting please register to come along, bring a friend or friends to find out more... all women are welcome.
We look forward to seeing you there and you will be welcomed with a complimentary drink and a big friendly smile.
Click to book HERE
Sat, 10 May 2025 | 10am-3pm | SWI Central Office
Join us for a delightful workshop to create a unique slow-stitched needlebook. Immerse yourself in the art of slow stitching and sustainable crafting. In this hands-on event, you’ll learn how to create a beautiful, personalized needlebook using fabric scraps and easy hand embroidery stitches. Whether you’re new to hand embroidery or looking for a creative way to upcycle old fabrics, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to learn new skills and create something both practical and beautiful.
About Jen - Jen, founder of Artisan Stitch, has over 45 years of sewing experience and 30 years in teaching and mentoring. A skilled embroiderer and quilter, Jen is passionate about all aspects of textile arts, from dressmaking to mixed-media techniques.
*All equipment and lunch will be provided as part of your ticket.
Book your place HERE.
In person | May 11th | Abbotsford Hotel, Stirling Road | 2pm
If you want to make friends and be part of something new and exciting please register to come along, bring a friend or friends to find out more... all women are welcome.
We look forward to seeing you there and you will be welcomed with a complimentary drink and a big friendly smile.
Click to book HERE
AGM | Online event | May 24th, 2024 | 10.30am-12pm
All members are invited to attend the SWI AGM which takes place online on Saturday 24th May from 10.30am-noon. Attending the AGM will provide members with insight into the SWI performance and direction of the organisation. Audited financial statements will be presented and you will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Please register here to attend.
Sat, 31 May 2025 | 10am-3pm | SWI Central Office
Ready to tackle that pile of clothes that aren't quite right, need a repair or a change of style? Join us at SWI for a relaxing and enjoyable full day workshop where we'll upcycle, alter and repair clothes from your own wardrobe to give them a new lease of life! Whether you want to fix something, alter a skirt, transform a dress into a top or cover up a stain, Jen will teach you the skills to bring new life to your most loved clothes.
About Jen - Jen Byrne is a sustainable fashion designer based in Edinburgh. Her work uses exclusively vintage and reclaimed materials in a bid to showcase the beauty of reuse!
*All equipment and lunch will be provided as part of your ticket.
Book your place HERE.
In person | June 8th | Stonehaven Town Hall | 2pm
If you want to make friends and be part of something new and exciting please register to come along, bring a friend or friends to find out more... all women are welcome.
We look forward to seeing you there and you will be welcomed with a complimentary drink and a big friendly smile.
Click to book HERE
Competition | Monday, August 4th | Gleddoch Hotel, Golf & Country Club
SWI would like to invite entries to this year’s Golf competition which will be hosted by Renfrewshire Federation on Monday 4th of August 2025 at Gleddoch Hotel, Golf & Country Club, Langbank, Renfrewshire PA14 6YE
Please note: This is a new style competition, meaning some of the rules and formats have changed. You can read all the information here.
To save time and money, we ask members to book through Beacon, the most efficient way to book events and get confirmation quickly. Please register here.