Meet Our Speakers
Day 1 – Friday 11 Sept
Stuart Johnstone, Editor of the People’s Friend Magazine
Friday 11th Sept 10:15 – 11:15
Originally from southwest Scotland, Stuart moved to Dundee to study psychology, but always aspired to be a journalist. After graduating, he joined DC Thomson as a junior news reporter, later moving into feature writing before transitioning into magazines.
In 2023, he became only the 12th editor in the 157-year history of The People’s Friend. Now in his 26th year in journalism, Stuart finds magazine publishing both challenging and rewarding, enjoying the collaboration with a talented creative team to produce one of the UK’s most enduring titles. He is delighted to be our opening speaker, where he will share how The People’s Friend has evolved over the years and continues to remain relevant and popular with its readers.
Guest Speaker
Friday 11th Sept 11:30 – 12:30
Stay tuned for the exciting announcement of the second speaker for the first day of the 2026 Members’ Gathering.
Guest Speaker
Friday 11th Sept 13:30 – 14:30
Stay tuned for the exciting announcement of the third speaker for the first day of the 2026 Members’ Gathering.
Susan Morrison, Comedian & Evening Host – SWI’s Got Talent
Friday 11 Sept 20:00 – 23:00
Susan Morrison is almost old enough to be history. As a stand-up comedian, she’s been part of The Stand Comedy Club since it opened, but history is her first love. In recent years she has presented BBC Radio Scotland’s Time Travels and House of the Lion and written a history column for The Scotsman newspaper. Her enthusiasm for women’s history is boundless and she will be a fabulous evening host. Top tip. Don’t get trapped in a lift with her….
Day 2 – Saturday 12 Sept
Guest Speaker
Saturday 12th Sept 10:15 – 11:15
Stay tuned for the exciting announcement of the first speaker for the second day of the 2026 Members’ Gathering.
Craft Experts Panel and Q&A
Saturday 12th Sept 14:15 – 15:00
Stay tuned for the exciting announcement of the Craft Experts Panel members for the second day of the 2026 Members’ Gathering.
Sarah Rankin, Professional Chef & MasterChef UK Finalist – ‘Saturday Live’ – cooking demonstration
Saturday 12 Sept 15:30 – 16:30
Sarah celebrates Scotland’s Larder, local suppliers and artisan producers in her food writing, broadcasting, chef demonstrations, private chef service and pop up collaborations.
Her two cookbooks; ‘Kith – seasonal, Scottish food for family and friends’ and ‘Feast’ – a collection of menus that bring joy,’ are available now in all good bookshops.
She is delighted to be hosting our ‘Saturday Live’ cookery demonstration this year, and says; ‘It is a joy to be performing a cookery demonstration to the Scottish Women’s Institutes Members’ Gathering — a place where stories, skills, and generations meet. To share food in this company feels like weaving warmth, tradition, and creativity into every dish, honouring the spirit of women who nurture both craft and community.”
‘Saturday Live’ – cooking demonstration guest
Saturday 12th Sept 15:30 – 16:30
Stay tuned for the exciting announcement of the guest joining Sarah Rankin for ‘Saturday Live’ – Cooking Demonstration.
