Leith SWI

• We formed in September 2013 and began by meeting once a month at a pub near Leith Shore.

​

• Very soon, we began meeting twice a month - our main meeting on the fourth Tuesday with a speaker, demo or activity, and 'Alternative Tuesdays' on the second Tuesday every month - these are some times "craft & chat" sessions (bring your own craft) or sometimes we arrange an activity.

​

• We usually meet at the URC Hall on Duke Street, just off the foot of Leith Walk and Easter Road. We sometimes go to other venues for specific events.

​

• All our activities are chosen by members so if there's something you fancy doing let us know. 

​

​​​

The Scottish Women's Institutes

• The first 'Scottish Women's Rural Institute', chaired by Catherine Blair, was in Longniddry, East Lothian in 1917. 
   

• The SWI celebrated their centenary in 2017 with a visit from HRH Princess Margaret and a celebration in Edinburgh Castle.
   

• The SWI has 620 institutes in 31 Federations throughout Scotland.

​

​

National Women's Institutes

• The first global Women's Institute was founded in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada in 1897.
   

• The first WI in the UK was at Llanfairpwll, Wales in 1915.

• There are Women's Institutes in over 70 countries around the world.

​

​