Where are the Women?: A Guide to an Imagined Scotland

Women have been ignored by men who named the built environment after themselves, but now is the time to bring them to light. This guidebook showcases a different Scotland where women are commemorated in statues, streets, buildings, and hills, such as the cave on Staffa named after Malvina, Arthur's Seat belonging to St Triduana, and the Victorian monument on Stirling's Abbey Hill interpreting national identity through the women who ran hospitals during the First World War.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2019
Publisher: Historic Environment Scotland

For centuries, women have been marginalized and silenced by the male-dominated world of architecture and urban planning. However, it is high time that we take a bold step forward and acknowledge the significant contributions of women to Scotland's rich heritage.

Let us embark on a journey to explore a different Scotland, a Scotland where women are celebrated and honored in every aspect of the built environment. Imagine a nation where statues, streets, buildings, and even hills and valleys bear the names of these remarkable women who have been overlooked for far too long.

This guidebook is your compass to this envisioned Scotland. It showcases a range of places and landmarks that pay tribute to the achievements and stories of women. From the picturesque cave on Staffa, named after Malvina rather than Fingal, to Arthur's Seat, which rightfully belongs to St. Triduana, we will explore a world where gender equality is celebrated and women's contributions are recognized.

As you arrive in Dundee at Slessor Station, you will be greeted by a Victorian monument on Stirling's Abbey Hill. This monument interprets national identity through the remarkable women who served as hospital administrators during the First World War. It serves as a powerful reminder of the invaluable role that women played in shaping Scotland's history.

Continuing your journey, you will encounter the West Highland Way, which culminates at Fort Mary. Along the way, you will stumble upon the Old Lady of Hoy, a prominent landmark on the Orkney Islands. This statue pays homage to the courage and resilience of women who have lived on these islands for generations.

In central Glasgow, you will find plinths adorned with statues of the suffragettes, who fought tirelessly until they secured the right to vote for women. These plinths stand as a testament to the unwavering determination and bravery of these women, who paved the way for greater equality and justice.

Throughout this guide, we will uncover the untold stories of real women who have left their mark on Scotland's architectural and urban landscape. We will visit streets, buildings, and monuments that bear their names, allowing us to honor their contributions and celebrate their legacies.

By acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of women to Scotland's heritage, we can create a more inclusive and diverse society. Let us embark on this journey together, exploring the hidden treasures of Scotland's past and shaping a brighter future for all.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 144 x 222 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849172738