The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Office block renamed for suffragette
Scotland’s Dundeebased social security headquarters will be named after city suffragette Agnes Husband. Born in 1852, Miss Husband was elected in 1901 as one of the first two women on Dundee Council.
In 1905 she was elected to the school board where she championed education and resources for the poor.
In 1924, Miss Husband became the fifth woman to be granted freedom of the City of Dundee.
She was president of the Women’s Freedom League, a group that campaigned for votes for women.
Local historian Mary Henderson, author of Dundee Women’s Trail, advised the new government agency before it settled on the name.
She said: “Miss Husband had an emphasis on respect, for women and for the disadvantaged.
“She was quiet but firm, and dedicated so much of her life to helping the poor and oppressed, especially children.”
Officials chose Agnes Husband House as the name of the building after nominations from staff and an external panel.
Client experience adviser Andy Wood, one of those who suggested the name, said: “In time, more people will become aware of her inspiring story.
“They will learn more about her and the important work she did.”
There is a plaque at Dundee City Chambers and a portrait in the McManus Galleries in her memory.
The building, which was previously known as Site Six and Earl Grey, will be home to Social Security Scotland, which has signed a 20-year lease.
Lockdown rules permitting, staff will start working in the building this summer.
Scottish Government social security secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “With dignity, fairness and respect at the core of Social Security Scotland’s work, it is fitting that Agnes Husband’s name will be associated with its home.
“As the organisation takes on responsibility for more benefits, people will see that the service is there to support everyone when they need it. This is in keeping with what we know about Agnes and everything she stood for.”