MULL AND IONA
A group of around 20 women and children representing Mull and Iona joined thousands of women in Edinburgh to celebrate 100 years since women in Britain secured the right to vote.
The Edinburgh Procession was one of many taking place simultaneously in UK capitals to commemorate the women’s suffrage movement.
More than 20,000 people from throughout the country took part in the processions. The group from Mull and Iona were supported by the arts organisation Comar.
A special banner was created for the islanders taking part.
Artist Alicia Hendrick ran workshops between April and June with groups throughout the islands and created pennants for all participants.
They also created a ‘much-admired’ main banner that was carried by members of the group throughout the two-hour march.
Alicia Hendrick said: ‘Our banner is a celebration of the inspirational women of our islands. It takes the shape of a sail held aloft by oars and incorporates a handmade fishing net.
‘At its centre, a map of Mull is filled with images of island women and in the sea surrounding the map are inscribed the names of more women we admire.
‘Influenced by the Suffragette banner-maker Mary Lowndes, we have incorporated the very fabric of our islands, using local tweed, tartan and beeswax and have embroidered lyrics, words and poetry from local women writers.
‘A sash across the main banner carries as our motto the words ‘We Know Where We’re Going’ in local wool.’
At the start of the project, the artist invited councillor Mary-Jean Devon to speak to the Comar banner group on her role in public life.
Following this, Mary-Jean joined the group and helped make the banner.