Protest and jail ordeals in women’s rights fight

The lives of Scotland’s suffragettes and their clashes with the law are revealed in a new exhibition in Edinburgh.

The display by National Records of Scotland (NRS) delves into historical records to uncover details of protests, arrests, hunger strikes and force-feeding.

The exhibition features prominent Scottish suffragettes such as Ethel Moorhead, Frances Gordon and Arabella Scott, who were all imprisoned and force-fed for their cause.

As well as historical government, court and prison records, documents from a private collection shine a light on the wider suffragist movement.

These include the diaries of prominent suffragist Lady Frances Balfour, as well as a wide range of letters, newspaper cuttings, trial papers and personal correspondence.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Celebrating the centenary of some women securing the right to vote in the UK is an opportunity to reflect on the actions of the suffragists and the suffragettes, whose campaign for the vote marks an important milestone in women’s history.

“This exhibition demonstrates how much commitment these remarkable women showed to their cause. While we have come a long way since 1918, much still needs to be done to achieve gender equality and create a fairer country for all.

“This anniversary is a great occasion to inject new momentum into supporting women’s contribution to Scottish public, political and cultural life.”

Anne Slater, acting chief executive at NRS, said: “This fascinating collection of documents from NRS archives offers insight into the lives and activities of prominent figures in the women’s suffrage movement in Scotland.”

Malicious Mischief? Women’s Suffrage in Scotland runs from today until August 31 at General Register House.