Strathpeffer celebrates suffragette centenary

A PROJECT aiming to get more women involved in public life will channel the spirit of the suffragette movement in Strathpeffer next weekend.

A 30-strong all-female choir will take to the stage of Strathpeffer Pavilion to mark a centenary milestone in the movement that saw women get the vote in the UK. The iconic venue was a key Ross-shire centre of agitation for the movement and is also understood to have hosted a visit from leading suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.

The WEA (Workers Educational Association) Women in the Highlands project secured funding for the special performance on November 10 from the Scottish Government’s Vote Centenary Fund, set up to support celebration events.

The project aims to inspire and encourage women in the Highlands to become actively involved in their communities and have the confidence to move into political and civil society.

"The power of creative activities is proven to boost confidence," said organiser, Andrea Johnson. "We have already seen individual women begin to blossom through our series of workshops and events."

The concert will be headlined by The Bevvy Sisters, Dorec-a-Belle and Kaitlin Ross, from Feis Rois. Tickets can be bought online or from Strathpeffer Pavilion or Dingwall Leisure Centre.