SWI Heritage

"...it was said that the SWRI was the greatest social development in rural Scotland for 100 years."

(Report, Central Council 1963-1966 Archive ref. SWI/1/1/1/1/9)

Founded in 1917 as the Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes (SWRI), now the Scottish Women’s Institutes (SWI) has been a cornerstone of support and friendship for women across Scotland. Our core values are lifelong learning, friendship, and enjoyment.

Without the Heritage project, the memory of the SWI would be lost forever.

See the Heritage Roadmap here

Volunteering

With a large membership eager to contribute to the heritage project, our primary goal is to preserve the past and involve members in helping shape the future.

Securing volunteering support from our members is key for the short, medium, and long-term success of this project.

If you are willing to be involved in this exciting project, add your name to the list of volunteers by emailing: hello@theswi.org.uk or sign up here

Archiving

The project is open to all members, stakeholders and partners, we want to capture valuable insights into the evolving role of the SWI across communities.

Our collection, focuses on women, rural, and agricultural lifestyles, it records the past, shedding light on everyday challenges and contributions.

We have also launched an archiving guide for members to use at regional and local level here

Oral History

As members age, there's a risk of losing these stories forever. Documenting history is vital for understanding social, economic, and cultural shifts.

Volunteers from the membership will conduct audio and video interviews, with support provided for transcription, translation, and technical aspects, ensuring proper documentation within the broader heritage collection.

If you want to be involved in Oral History, add your name to the list of volunteers by emailing: hello@theswi.org.uk or sign up here

SWI Story

Creating the story of the SWI is vital for preserving its legacy, values, and achievements. This will ensure that future generations understand and are inspired by its historical impact and significance.

If you want to be involved, add your name to the list of volunteers by emailing: hello@theswi.org.uk or sign up here

Home for our Heritage

A home for SWI heritage is essential to safeguard our cultural and historical artefacts, documents, and stories for future generations.

By having a dedicated space, our heritage can be celebrated, researched, and shared more effectively, promoting cultural awareness and pride across Scotland and beyond.

We have been progressing partnership discussions with the Crichton Trust:

In Nov 2023, we held a Federation office bearers event: here
In Dec 2023, the Board of Trustees approved to progress with the partnership: here
In May 2024, we held a member consultation event with architects in Glasgow Womens Library
In May 2024, we held an event for Academics: here

Funding the Heritage Project

Due to the scale of the project we are seeking support from funders to progress the wider Heritage project of archiving, oral history and the SWI story.

If you would like to be involved in the monthly Heritage Group please email: hello@theswi.org.uk for further details.