After 200 years, High society lets in women
THE Queen’s guards in Scotland are breaking with almost 200 years of tradition by allowing women members for the first time.
It comes after Perth’s Society of High Constables, which dates back to 1830, voted to end its men-only policy.
Changes to the 188-year-old rulebook will be rubber stamped by Perth and Kinross councillors on Wednesday.
Members, bearing ceremonial batons and wearing silk top hats, striped trousers and tail coats, take part in a range of civic duties including Remembrance Day.
They also parade on civic occasions at the request of Perth’s prov-have ost. All must swear an allegiance to the Queen, dating back to the days when chosen ‘constables’ would represent the throne’s justice system at a local level.
For years the society has shrugged off accusations of chauvinism, pointing out that it invites female speakers to its annual dinner.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney and Tory MSP Alexander Stewart were criticised for attending a dinner staged by the all-male society last December.
But now society moderator and local businessman Charlie Gallagher said members had voted to embrace change.
When previously asked about the issue, Mr Gallagher had said: ‘If it comes in front of us, it would need to be voted on. Me personally? It wouldn’t bother me. I don’t see it as a big issue.’
Similar societies in Edinburgh opened their doors to women in recent years. Other organisations, such as men-only golf clubs, have also chosen to allow female members.
Mr Gallagher said: ‘Our members voted in favour of change by a near 90 per cent majority so we were given a clear mandate.
‘It is a historic move but the decision certainly wasn’t forced upon us. We are on the front foot.
‘We have served as the ceremonial guard to monarchs from Queen Victoria onwards on Royal visits to the area and that will continue.
‘Members just felt the traditional men-only criteria was starting to pose problems in the modern era.
‘Although we have regularly warmly welcomed female provosts, chief executives and Armed Forces representatives, when looking for speakers for the annual dinner we were finding more and more were having to rule themselves out because we didn’t have a dual gender policy.
‘Some members were also concerned that their daughters could not follow in their footsteps.
‘Political influences have come to bear in other areas, with the council in Edinburgh telling a similar society they had weeks to push through change or they would face being disbanded after centuries.
‘We are an organisation Perth should be proud of rather than potentially an embarrassment because we haven’t moved with the times.’
Mr Gallagher said he expects the changes to be approved by councillors this week.
He added: ‘We are only in place with the blessing of Perth and Kinross Council and we expect the regulatory changes to be approved this week.’
‘It is a historic move’