Suffragette spirit set to return to Strathpeffer

THE spirit of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst will be felt in Ross-shire once again when a 30-strong all-female choir takes to the stage of an iconic local venue as part of a special celebratory project.

The WEA (Workers Educational Association) Women in the Highlands project has secured funding to create a choir for the special performance on November 10. The funding comes 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. To be able to create this choir of 30 Highland women, with a public performance which celebrates the achievements of all women and especially those involved in the suffrage movement and the continuing empowerment of women today is a brilliant thing."

The concert will be headlined by The Bevvy Sisters, heavily involved with the choir rehearsals, and Inverness-band Dorec-a-Belle and Kaitlin Ross, from Feis Rois.

Ms Johnson added: "It is fitting that the concert takes place in Strathpeffer Pavilion as there was a lot of suffrage activity which included rallies in and around the Pavilion. Emmeline Pankhurst is thought to have spoken there herself."

The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets can be bought online at www.wegottickets.com/event/450789, from Strathpeffer Pavilion or Dingwall Leisure Centre.