Castle venue for SWI party

A historic island castle is the venue for a garden party to mark the 100th anniversary of the Scottish Women’s Institutes on Sunday.

The Mull and Tiree federation is joining in the celebrations to mark the centenary of the organisation with an event at Duart Castle on Mull.

Press secretary of the Argyll islands branch, Olive Brown, said “We are all looking forward to the garden party at Duart, especially as many of our former members are returning to Mull for the event, coming from as far as Cumbria and Inverness. An organisation celebrating 100 years of friendship is a very special event.”

The party is taking place by kind permission of Sir Lachlan MacLean of Duart.

SWI marks its 100th birthday during 2017 with a number of events.

National chairwoman of the SWI, Christine Hutton, said: “Our members are proud to be part of an organisation that has stood the test of time and one which is known and loved across the country. Throughout 2017, a range of events and gatherings are being held to mark the centenary including the SWI’s own version of Tea in The Park – tea parties which will take place in each federation area on Sunday July 2.

“Back in 1917 our organisation was formed to bring women together, with a vision to welcome every woman in Scotland to join us. We have remained a constant in Scottish life ever since and are here to educate, to share, to campaign, to learn, to socialise, to build a community and of course, to have fun. The centenary is a great chance for us to remind people what we have to offer modern women.”