26 Feb 2025
Discover inspiring stories from Scottish trailblazers this International Women's Day
Scotland is a land steeped in fascinating history and filled with magical tales and experiences for visitors to explore and enjoy. As the world celebrates International Women's Day on 8 March, it's a time to reflect on the stories and achievements of Scotland's well-known women, alongside the unsung heroines who influence the country we know today. From distinguished scientists and social reformers to trailblazing engineers and world-renowned artists and authors - Scotland has produced a plethora of formidable women.
The most famous and intriguing of all Scottish women, Mary Queen of Scots, was born in 1542 at Linlithgow Palace. She became the Queen of Scotland at only six days old. Explore The Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre in Jedburgh or visit a range of incredible sites across the country linked to Mary's eventful history - Mary Queen of Scots | VisitScotland.
Take inspiration not only from the women that have left their mark across Scottish history, but from the vibrant array of Scottish women forging new stories. Women showcasing ingenuity and leadership in tourism and empowering meaningful change across Scotland - the below a brief example of Scotland's inspirational stories with women at the core.
Historical & Cultural Experiences
Glasgow Women's Library is no ordinary library. As well as a lending library, it holds a wonderful treasure trove of historical and contemporary artifacts and archive materials that celebrate the lives, histories and achievements of women. From Suffragette memorabilia and 1930s dress making patterns to rare 1970s Scottish Women's Liberation newsletters, it's all here. The library runs a vibrant and diverse programme of events and activities available all year round. Including Women's Heritage Walks, book readings, exhibitions and so much more.
- Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries – Knowledge, Power & Alchemy through Craft. 8 March – 8 June 2025. Exhibition Curator - Kate Pickering
Craft and visual arts organisation Fife Contemporary launches its latest exhibition on International Women's Day – Hag. Knowledge, Power & Alchemy through Craft – bringing together the work of 13 of Scotland's most inventive, creative and impactful women craft artists. Running from 8 March to 8 June 2025, the exhibition will also feature 13 newly commissioned portraits of the artists in their studios by Scottish photographer Lydia Smith.
- The Hill House – Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh (Helensburgh, Argyll)
The Hill House in Helensburgh is widely recognised as the most iconic home designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Scotland's most famous architect.
Commissioned by Glasgow book publisher Walter Blackie in 1902, up-and-coming architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and artist Margaret Macdonald worked collaboratively to create the unique building, furniture and textiles.
Mackintosh said of his wife: 'Margaret has genius, I have only talent'. She is now regarded as one of the most versatile, imaginative and successful artists working in Glasgow in the early 20th century – see also: Women of the Hill House | National Trust for Scotland
- Edinburgh International Festival – Nicola Bendetti first Scottish and female Director
The Edinburgh International Festival welcomes the finest performers in dance, opera, music and theatre from across the globe to Edinburgh for a spectacular three-week celebration every August. As well as being one of the most influential classical artists of today, Nicola Benedetti is both the first Scottish and the first female Festival Director since the Festival began in 1947.
Women-Led Tours Showcasing History, Culture, and Adventure
- Black History Walking Tour of Edinburgh, Lisa Williams
Discover Edinburgh's deep links with Africa and the Caribbean over the past 500 years in this guided walking tour. With a focus on the Caribbean and Edinburgh's role in the Transatlantic Slave System, hear the little-known stories of Edinburgh's many visitors and residents of African, African American and Caribbean heritage from the 16th century to the present day.
The tour is led by Lisa Williams, an author, poet and founder of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association. She curates a range of events across Scotland to promote Caribbean culture and leads walking tours focusing on Edinburgh's black history.
- Invisible Cities, Zakia Moulaoui (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Scottish Borders)
Invisible Cities is a community interest company, set up by Zakia Moulaoui, that trains people who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides of their own city. The organisation offers tours that are off the beaten track, personal and highlight real people, and raise awareness about social justice.
As we approach International Women's Day, visitors can join Invisible Cities 'Real Women of Edinburgh' tour that uncovers stories about women's contribution to the city or 'The People of Glasgow' tour that explores the communities in Scotland's largest city.
- Shetland with Laurie, Laurie Goodlad
Shetland with Laurie is a Scottish travel writer and tour guide itinerary planner with a passion for all things Shetland. Born to the islands, Laurie can trace her ancestry back hundreds of years and wants to share her deep connection to Shetland with its visitors, allowing them to feel a sense of belonging themselves. Laurie guides visitors through bespoke tours to help unlock the secrets of these fascinating islands.
Food and Drink Experiences by Female Founders
- Cail Bruich, Lorna McNee (Glasgow)
One of two Michelin-starred restaurants in Glasgow, Cail Bruich aims to create truly memorable dining experiences, working closely with producers and suppliers to offer guests the highest quality of food and drink. Head Chef Lorna McNee, protégé of the late chef Andrew Fairlie of Two Michelin-starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie and the only female head chef of a Michelin-starred restaurant in Scotland, took up her first head chef role at Cail Bruich in August 2020. Lorna creates elegant plates of food that make the most of Scotland's seasonally changing ingredients prepared with respect and a lightness of touch.
- Spirit & Spice, Ghillie Basan (Cairngorms National Park)
Ghillie Başan harnessed her intrepid spirit to build a highly distinctive, thriving business at her remote Highland home. She offers remarkable off-the-beaten-track experiences with food and drink at their core. At her business, visitors savour her unique style of food, Scottish spirits, and a real sense of outdoor adventure. Take part in a Whisky Food Safari and enjoy the flavours of the wild landscape while enjoying the stunning views
- Lussa Gin – Georgina, Sofie and Claire – (Isle of Jura, Argyll)
Located off Scotland's west coast, the long and narrow Isle of Jura is home to around 250 people and 6000 wild deer. It is also home to Lussa Gin - an award-winning gin made by three women with 15 botanicals from the island wilderness. Visitors to the remote distillery, 25 miles along the single-track road from the Jura ferry, will be treated to fine views along the way.
- Loch Levens Larder, Emma Niven (Kinross)
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Kinross, Loch Leven's Larder is a family-run farm, restaurant, food hall and gift shop that celebrates the finest in local produce, craftmanship, and honest farm-fresh foods. Loch Leven's Larder was founded by Emma Niven and her husband after they took over the family farm and recognised an opportunity to champion the community. The Larder uses as much local produce as possible, from vegetables grown in their own fields to produce from the many artisan makers in the surrounding area and the rest of Scotland.
- Nc'Nean Distillery, Annabel Thomas (Morvern Peninsula, Scottish Highlands)
Meet Annabel Thomas, founder and CEO of Nc'nean. Nc'nean is an organic whisky distillery nestled on the west coast of Scotland with a focus on sustainability. Nc'nean is one of the first female-founded distilleries in Scotland to be established in 200 years. They were also the first distillery in the UK to receive net zero verification, operating on 100% renewable energy.
Adventure & Outdoor Escapes
Starting in 2019, Wilderness Scotland decided to introduce an assortment of exciting, fully guided women-only departures to create a space to enjoy the great outdoors. Wilderness Scotland's new trips have been devised to be even more inclusive to women who want to adventure in the wilderness.
Whether a visitor wants to reduce competitiveness, feel confident in trying a new activity, take pride in their own abilities, avoid feeling self-conscious or simply become a part of the wilderness women's community, these women-only trips open up the wilderness to more women to travel the wilds of Scotland with the kind of solidarity, ease and atmosphere that perhaps doesn't come in a mixed group.
- WanderWomen (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, East Lothian)
Owned by Anna, WanderWomen Scotland facilitates award-winning, outstanding outdoor experiences for women in a unique mix of mindfulness and adventure. Anna created WanderWomen in 2018 to encourage women to have their space in the male-dominated adventure world. Her retreats include mindfulness walks, meditation, foraging, loch swimming, and more.
- Wild Braemar, Annie Armstrong (Cairngorms National Park)
Owned by Annie Armstrong, Wild Braemar offers experiences including guided walks, wild swimming adventures, outdoor learning and creative workshops. Located in the heart of the stunning Cairngorms National Park, Wild Braemar aims to showcase the best of Scottish landscapes and natural spaces with experiences that are tailored to the visitor, providing unique opportunities to connect with nature.
- Selkie Explorers, Celia Bull (Isle of Eigg)
Skippered by Celia Bull, an experienced yachtswoman who has sailed the world's oceans for over 20 years, Selkie Explorers offers female crewed sailing day and multiday trips of the Hebrides, St Kilda and Northern Isles aboard a yacht named Selkie https://selkie-explorers.com/2025schedule/ .
Incredible Creators
- Prickly Thistle, Clare Campbell (The Black Isle, Scottish Highlands)
Prickly Thistle is a luxury brand dedicated to Scotland's iconic cloth, tartan, made by women. The brand has taken their vision and created three unique tartan designs. These designs feature within all of the product ranges which have been manufactured exclusively within Scotland from only the highest quality raw materials.
- Radical Weavers, Mari Breslin (Stirling)
Immerse oneself in craft courses where heritage and culture intertwine, offering a chance to learn the art of weaving and explore Scotland's textile history. Step into the enchanting world of weaving at the Radical Weavers independent charity studio nestled in the heart of Stirling. Experience one of the craft courses where heritage and culture intertwine, offering a unique opportunity to learn the art of weaving and delve into Scotland's rich textile history. Discover the joy of creating tartan-inspired treasures, a perfect gift experience beyond the ordinary.
Siobhan Mackenzie is a multi-award-winning Scottish fashion designer. Born and raised in The Black Isle in the Highlands of Scotland, her Highland heritage and Clan Mackenzie roots inspired her graduate collection and have remained a firm inspiration transcending throughout the brand. Five days after graduating with a First-Class BA Honours degree in Fashion Design & Production Siobhan launched her self-named label in 2014, aged 21. Whilst a student Siobhan undertook an internship with Scottish kilt-makers Glenisla, where she learnt the art of kilt making and thereafter began to experiment with new techniques. Her innovative design flair mixed with a Made in Scotland brand ethos reinvents the classics into a contemporary label inspired by Scotland. Clients have included Justin Bieber and Alan Cumming on the Traitors.
