Rural Journey - A History of the S.W.R.I.   1917 - 1939

In Rural Journey, Catherine Blair outlines the origins and development of the Scottish Women's Rural Institutes (SWRI), which she founded in 1917.

She describes the tremendous isolation suffered by rural women in Scotland in the early years of the 20th century and how SWRI strove to tackle this and to encourage and support education and social co-operation amongst Scotland's rural women.

The book reveals Catherine Blair's determination and enthusiasm – two qualities which helped the organisation flourish. Her accounts of early meetings and demonstrations are coloured with amusing anecdotes and she strongly underlines the importance of democracy, co-operation and inclusiveness within the movement. Catherine Blair's vision was for every single member to have her say on how the Institutes were organised and to have her talents recognised and encouraged.

Struggles and obstacles are described, as well as successes and achievements and the book (first published in 1939, on the eve of the Second World War) ends by a look towards the future of SWRI.

To read two extracts from this book click here and here.

An essential buy for all SWRI members and those interested in the organisation's history and development.

Available from SWRI Headquarters priced £4.00 (+ 58p p&p).