Hall of Heroes shortlist for Errol engineer
A Perthshire woman who became the UK’s first female marine engineer could be set for recognition by the Hall of Heroes.
Victoria Drummond was born at Megginch Castle near Errol in 1894 - and was named after her godmother, Queen Victoria.
Her early life seemed to have put her on the path to the lifestyle of her upbringing when she was presented at court as a debutante in 1913 - but she left that behind in favour of a childhood fascination.
And it led to her striking a number of firsts, breaking down traditional gender roles too.
Ms Drummond was fascinated by machinery and had links with Robert Morton and Sons engineering works at Errol and this led to an apprenticeship with Northern Garage in Perth’s South Street.
She completed her apprenticeship at the Caledon Shipbuilding and Engineering Company in Dundee before joining the merchant navy in 1922.
During the Second World War, she served on ships which came under fierce enemy fire. For her bravery she was appointed an MBE and awarded Lloyd’s war medal.
Following the war she worked as a superintendent at shipyards in Dundee and Burntisland then at sea until her retirement.
Now, nearly 39 years after her death in 1978, she has been shortlisted for a commemorative exhibition of stand out women in Scotland who have helped to shape the country.
The shortlist for a spot at the exhibition at the National Wallace Monument in Stirling, has a total of 14 women in the running, including figures such as Mary Slessor and Jean Redpath.
The vote is available at www. nationalwallacemonument.com or in person at the monument. The deadline for votes is March 31 and the result is expected in April. Victoria Drummond