Women’s stories inspire

VisitScotland is encouraging people to explore Scotland through the eyes of women from all walks of life this International Women’s Day.

Dive deep into exceptional Scottish experiences, behind which stand a rich tapestry of women, representing a multitude of facets of society, from Queens and scientists to authors and innovators.2022 marks Scotland’s Year of Stories and women have created, inspired and been central within some of the country’s most incredible tales.Here are some experiences for visitors and locals to learn more about the role women have played in Scotland’s story:

• The stunning and tranquil [Japanese Garden](https://cowden-garden.myshopify.com/) at Cowden, Clackmannanshire, was devised by Ella Christie, the first western woman to meet the Dalai Lama, and designed by one of Japan’s first female landscapers, Taki Handa, back in 1908
• A visit to the [National Museum of Scotland](https://www.nms.ac.uk/) in Edinburgh will bring visitors face to face with Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned mammal ever to be created from an adult cell. This world-famous achievement was due, in part, to [Marjorie Ritchie](https://dolly.roslin.ed.ac.uk/facts/the-dolly-team/marjorie-ritchie/index.html) who brought key surgical skills to the team of scientists who created Dolly the Sheep
• While in the capital, visitors can also head to the family friendly [Camera Obscura & World of Illusions](https://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/), a popular attraction and city landmark which few people realise was founded by a woman, Maria Short, in the mid-1800s
• The newly refurbished [Provost Skene’s house](https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/plan-your-visit/provost-skenes-house) in Aberdeen gives visitors a chance to discover [over 100 individuals](https://emuseum.aberdeencity.gov.uk/people/images?filter=thesfilter%3Ahttp%25255C%3A%252F%252Fnodes.emuseum.com%252F5A2VQD5G%252Fapis%252Femuseum%252Fnetwork%252Fv1%252Fvocabularies%252FtermMaster1599786), including a great many women, who achieved remarkable feats. From doctors to social activists, singers, and archaeologists, discover the women of Aberdeen and the North-East who changed the world for the better
• Dundee also celebrates a slew of achievements by women connected to the city with the [Dundee Women’s Trail](https://www.dundeewomenstrail.org.uk/); visitors can discover their exceptional tales by following the [smartphone guide or trail locations map](https://www.dundeewomenstrail.org.uk/dundee-womens-trail-location-map/)
• Visitors wishing to delve into history can discover the story of Mary Queen of Scots and her mother, Marie de Guise, who was Queen Regent for many years. There are several locations across Scotland associated with Mary including [Palace of Holyroodhouse](https://www.rct.uk/visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse) and the majestic [Edinburgh Castle](https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/), each located at opposite ends of the famous Royal Mile in the city as well as her childhood home, [Stirling Castle](https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/discover/highlights/the-royal-palace/) and her birthplace, [Linlithgow Palace](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/linlithgow-palace/) in West Lothian (though temporarily closed)
• Explore the [Cairngorms](https://cairngorms.co.uk/) National Park which inspired celebrated Scottish writer Nan Shepherd. Her book [The Living Mountain](https://canongate.co.uk/books/1174-the-living-mountain-a-celebration-of-the-cairngorm-mountains-of-scotland/) focuses on connection with nature; a work written during the Second World War which perfectly caters to the modern desire for travel which offers the chance to disconnect from the world and [focus on wellness](https://www.cityam.com/vitamin-vacay-booking-reveals-travel-predictions-for-2022/)
• The unsung women of Glasgow’s history can be discovered on a [Heritage Tour](https://womenslibrary.org.uk/whats-on/women-make-history/women%E2%80%99s-heritage-walks/) run by the Glasgow Women’s Library. With characters ranging from suffragettes to forewomen and schoolmistresses, this range of tours offers a unique opportunity to learn about the women who have shaped the dynamic city of Glasgow
• Throughout 2022, community groups and artists in [Perth](https://www.perthcity.co.uk/) and Kinross are working together on a project, Raise the Roof, which is part of the Year of Stories events programme will tell 22 stories of women from throughout the region’s history. The project will culminate in a Wire Women sculpture trail around the centre of Perth this summer
• Scotland’s National Book Town and host of the famous annual book festival, Wigtown in Dumfries and Galloway, offers visitors the chance to discover more about the role local women played in the area’s history. The [Wigtown Women’s Walk](https://womenslibrary.org.uk/gwl_wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Wigtown-Womens-Walk-Leaflet.pdf) is self-guided and includes a stop at [ReadingLasses](https://www.wigtown-booktown.co.uk/readinglasses-bookshop-cafe/) bookshop, the only bookshop in the UK specialising in Women’s studies and books by and about women.

“Some of these tales have gone on to create wonderful experiences for locals and visitors to enjoy and several of our Year of Stories 2022 funded events tap into them too.

“From icons of literature to local tales, the Year of Stories 2022 encourages everyone to experience a range of voices, take part in events and explore the places, people and cultures connected to all forms of our stories, past and present. 

“As our valuable tourism and events industry continues to rebuild following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year heralds an exciting new chapter while also providing quality opportunities for artists, creatives and audiences.”

For more attractions and locations linked to Scotland’s fascinating stories, please visit www.visitscotland.com/year-of-stories