International Women’s Day: New research shows need to empower young people to be period proud

International Women’s Day (8th March) offers a chance to celebrate how far women have come, but amongst the progression, new research reveals that the stigma still exists in young people – with over 60% feeling embarrassed while menstruating. 

Latest findings from intimate wellbeing brand, INTIMINA, highlight that two thirds (65%) of those surveyed feel shame when menstruating at school, a place where they should feel empowered and supported. And although 85% of young people learn the basic facts about menstruating before their first period, 86% rely solely on their mother for this information, with only a handful (7%) feeling comfortable enough to discuss menstruation with their father or a doctor.

This International Women’s Day, to champion and empower those beginning a new phase of life, INTIMINA has launched a new audio version of its popular ‘The Wonder Girls Guide Book’, which offers a collection of short stories detailing journeys of periods and puberty. It provides learning experiences and advice, and helps to break the taboo around something so natural. The book can be downloaded for free on INTIMINA’s website. 

INTIMINA’s gynaecologist Dr Shree Datta comments: “​​There’s no doubt that we still need to destigmatise the talk around periods – for everyone – people should not be bullied or teased for having periods, which are as natural as growing hair.

“It’s time to open up and be up front and frank about what periods mean, in school, university and the workplace so that we tackle period myths.”

Danela Zagar, INTIMINA’s Global Brand Manager comments; “Educating people and empowering young women to feel free of any cultural taboos and stigma is what every modern society and education system should be doing.

“The ‘The Wonder Girls Guide Book’ can act as a guide but it can also encourage more open conversations, which is why we are thrilled that it’s now accessible via audio book.”

International Women’s Day: UK Government launches pay transparency pilot

Minister for Women launches initiatives to level up employment opportunities for women

  • Minister for Women, Baroness Stedman-Scott, launches initiatives to level up employment opportunities for women
  • Participating employers will run pilots aimed at closing salary gaps by publishing salaries on all job adverts
  • New ‘returners’ programme to support women into STEM roles after taking time out to care for loved ones

Minister for Women, Baroness Stedman-Scott, is today (8 March) launching two new initiatives to level up employment opportunities for women as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Announced on International Women’s Day, a new initiative will seek to improve pay transparency in the job application process and help businesses who want to go even further in attracting women to their positions. Evidence shows listing a salary range on a job advert and not asking applicants to disclose salary history provides a firm footing for women to negotiate pay on a fairer basis. This could have a significant impact in closing salary gaps and tackling pay inequality.

The government is therefore leading the way with a pilot scheme, where participating employers list salary details on job adverts and stop asking about salary history during recruitment.

Alongside this, the UK Government will launch a new returners programme to help women back into STEM (science, technology, engineering & maths) careers. Research and employee feedback shows that returning to STEM roles after taking time out to care for loved ones can present significant challenges.

This new programme will help organisations to recruit and retain talented staff who are often overlooked because of a gap on their CV, by providing training, development and employment support to those who have taken time out for caring.

Minister for Women, Baroness Stedman-Scott, said: “The UK can only grasp its full potential by championing its brightest and best, and ensuring everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed.

“We believe that increased pay transparency will build on positive evidence of the role information can play when it comes to empowering women in the workplace. It is essential that we keep women at the forefront of the levelling up agenda as we recover from the pandemic and rebuild together.

“Our second announcement, supporting skilled women to return to STEM careers after care leave, will keep talented minds in STEM and improve the representation of women and marginalised communities in those incredibly important roles.”

International data also shows that job seekers place a strong emphasis on salary when looking for their next career move. In a Glassdoor survey 68% of people say that a salary was the most important factor of a job advert, showing that, where possible, it makes good business sense to share salary details at the very beginning of the application process.

Additionally, a study from the Fawcett Society shows that a requirement to provide salary history makes everyone less confident when negotiating their pay. It has a particularly negative impact on women’s confidence, with 58% of women saying that they felt they had received a lower salary offer than they would have if the question had not been asked during the application process.

However, the Government recognises that many employers do not have agreed pay scales, and that ambiguous pay policies and historic pay decisions may make it challenging for them to include pay information on job adverts.

That is why the forthcoming pilot will see the Government work with employers to develop and pilot a methodology which others can adopt, so that all organisations can provide pay information at the recruitment stage and remove their reliance on questions about pay history if they choose.

Jemima Olchawski, Fawcett Society, Chief Executive said: “We are pleased that the government is encouraging employers to remove embedded bias from recruitment practices and supporting our call to End Salary History.

“Asking salary history questions keeps women on lower salaries and contributes to the UK’s gender pay gap – and can mean that past pay discrimination follows women and other groups throughout their career.

“Evidence from US states which have banned asking about past salary shows that is a simple, evidence-led way to improve pay equality for women, people of colour and disabled people. This is an important first step. We hope more employers will answer this call, and sign Fawcett’s pledge, as part of other actions to tackle their pay gaps.”

The UK Government has already run 25 returner programmes across the private and public sector and will use learning from these initiatives to design the new STEM programme.

Unpaid care work, including childcare and informal adult care, is disproportionately performed by women. This can have a big impact on pay and progression, with research showing that returners with degrees are, on average, paid 70% of the hourly wage of an equivalent colleague who has not taken time away from work.

By launching the new returners programme, the government is hoping to support those who are looking to step back into work, particularly in STEM sectors. The 2021 STEM Returners index survey revealed that 61% of returners found the process of returning to the industry difficult or very difficult. Those who did return commented on being overqualified for their role and had entered at levels below where they were prior to their break.

In line with the Government’s commitment to level up opportunities, the new programme will support returners across the UK – giving them the opportunity to refresh and grow their skills in sectors where their talents are most needed. It will run for a minimum of two years, and the evidence gathered will enable and provide a base for organisations to provide their own returner programmes.

Apprenticeships key to supporting NHS, says First Minister

Apprentices are delivering a well-qualified workforce and addressing skills gaps in the NHS, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said. Launching Scottish Apprenticeship Week yesterday, the First Minister met a group of pharmacy apprentices based at University Hospital Monklands.

A new £3.4 million Scottish Government recruitment programme will see 150 apprentice pharmacy technicians trained and recruited across Scotland this year.

Throughout their two year apprenticeship individuals will develop skills and gain valuable experience working in hospital and community pharmacies as well as GP practices undertaking medication reviews and liaising with other healthcare professionals to provide effective patient care.

The First Minister said: “Growing our workforce is crucial, which is why we must increase the opportunities for our young people who wish to choose a career in the NHS such as pharmacy, with quality hands-on training to set them on their path. Increasing the number of qualified pharmacy technicians is critical to ensuring a well-qualified workforce.

“While we work towards returning to pre-pandemic levels of apprenticeship uptake, it is encouraging that the latest Skills Development Scotland official statistics showed almost twice as many people had started Modern Apprenticeships by the end of the third quarter of 2021-22 compared with the same time a year prior. Furthering that progress will be crucial to delivering opportunities for young people while ensuring a well-qualified workforce.

“As Scotland moves towards economic renewal and transition apprenticeships across our economy and public services – including roles in construction, transport and life sciences – have a key role to play as part of the national endeavour to drive a fairer, greener economic recovery.”

Scotland’s skills agency, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) administers funding towards the training delivery of the Technical Apprenticeship in Pharmacy Services at SCQF Level 8.

Skills Development Scotland Chair Frank Mitchell: “When it comes to supporting sustainable skills through workforce development or providing opportunities for young people, we know that apprenticeships work.

“The combination of commitment from employers and the backing of Scottish Government will ensure apprenticeships work for everyone, making a significant contributor to Scotland’s recovery and productivity growth.”

“The Technical Apprenticeship in Pharmacy Services will provide key support for the NHS, giving people the opportunity to work, learn and earn developing skills that are in demand.”

Pharmacist team manager at University Hospital Monklands Linsey Hayes said: “Our participation and engagement with these apprenticeship opportunities demonstrates our Health Board’s commitment to the young people in our local community contributing to our employability targets at local and national level.” 

Pharmacy technicians work within pharmacy teams carrying out specialised tasks, including preparing complex medicines and dispensing medicines safely for patients.

Hannah Scullion, a pre-registration pharmacy technician with NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Becoming a qualified pharmacy technician was always my goal and I am so glad to have been given this opportunity to do this through the new technical apprenticeship programme.”

The National Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician Scheme, the first of its kind in Scotland, will see Scottish Government funding go towards salaries and infrastructure to support expansion of the Technical Apprenticeship in Pharmacy Services.

The first intake of 50 apprentices under the scheme will start in April 2022 with a further 100 apprentices to be recruited in autumn.

Apprenticeships | Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2022

National seminar to explore radical changes needed for Scotland’s streets

The Living Streets Scotland Big Walking Seminar ‘Radical changes for everyday streets: making it happen‘ will explore the gap between the rhetoric around walking and active travel, and the lived reality of walking in Scotland. It will hear from members of the public about their real-life walking experience. 

Living Streets’ Vice President, Susan Claris, will come together with keynote speakers from the health and equalities sectors, transport experts and local government leaders to ask hard questions about the big shifts needed to deliver change and make walking a pleasant and viable everyday activity for everyone. 

Joining Susan Claris will be Sheila Duffy (Chief Executive, ASH Scotland), Colin Pooley (Emeritus Professor of Social and Historical Geography, Lancaster University) and a representative from Mobility and Access Committee Scotland (MACs), among others. 


Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland said: “We are looking at a real societal change in terms of getting people out of cars, with pedestrians seeking much more prominence in policy and funding decisions. This level of change is very challenging. 

“The Big Walking Seminar aims to provide a reality check by considering, not only how streets can be improved, but the fundamental changes needed to make walking projects successful. It will draw on the power of lived experience and lessons from other deep societal shifts, such as the smoking ban.” 

The Big Walking Seminar comprises a virtual morning session hosted on Zoom. Walk and Talks will take place in the afternoon, led by Living Streets Scotland staff and setting off from Edinburgh Waverley, Stirling Railway Station and Inverness Railway Station. 

For more information and to book for free, visit livingstreets.org.uk/walkingseminar 

Edinburgh becomes a Queen’s Green Canopy ‘Champion City’

1270 trees planted in Stenhouse

Scotland international rugby player Marshall Sykes joined Edinburgh’s Lord Lieutenant Frank Ross, Culture and Communities Convener Donald Wilson and a team of volunteers to plant a series of Jubilee trees in celebration of Edinburgh becoming a QGC ‘Champion City’.

The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, which invites people from across the United Kingdom to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’.

Marshall Sykes joined volunteers from the local area at the launch event which saw 1,270 new trees planted, including Scots pine surrounded by meadowgrass, on 0.7 hectares of greenspace at Stenhouse on Broomhouse Drive.

The Queen’s Green Canopy is being delivered in partnership with Trees for Cities, a UK charity working at a national and international scale to improve lives by planting trees in cities. Together they are working to deliver community-led urban greening projects in all four nations of the UK as part of the Platinum Jubilee year.

As part of The Queen’s Green Canopy, a “Champion Cities” programme has been launched to celebrate some of the nation’s outstanding cities which have trees and woodland as a central part of their plans for greenspaces. The planting in Stenhouse reflects an extensive tree planting programme in Edinburgh, which has pledged to be both net zero and a Million Tree City by 2030.

Culture and Communities Convener Donald Wilson said: “It is an honour for Edinburgh to be selected as a “Champion City” as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy – this is a fantastic initiative that will not only help the environment but be a lasting tribute to the Queen’s legacy.

“We’re very proud that Edinburgh is already one of the UK’s greenest cities, with more trees than people. This is another step as we strive towards our hugely ambitious target of making the city net zero by 2030.

“Through our Million Tree City vision, our dedicated Parks, Greenspace and Cemeteries service are leading a project to increase tree cover to help Edinburgh fulfil its Climate Emergency commitments and become a Million Tree City by 2030. I would encourage everyone who is able to plant a tree for the jubilee.”

Scotland international and Edinburgh Rugby lock, Marshall Sykes said: “As a club, we’re delighted to support The Queen’s Green Canopy’s tree planting in Stenhouse to create a vibrant space for the city’s and local residents to enjoy.

“Rugby is all about togetherness, and this initiative will create a similar sense of community that all those living in the Stenhouse area can enjoy in the years to come.
I’m delighted to support this special Jubilee tree planting event to celebrate Edinburgh as a ‘Champion City’.”

International Women’s Day 2022: it’s time to #DemandBetter

International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, political, and cultural achievements of women around the world; but women still face significant discrimination in the workplace and wider society, writesTUC’s NIKKI POUND.

It is critical to raise awareness today on the continued inequality faced by women and to rally calls for action to accelerate equality.

We have seen women at the sharp end of the pandemic, on the frontline as key workers, and taking on an even more disproportionate burden of care and domestic work in the home.

We know that many women face multiple forms of discrimination with racial and gender inequalities intersecting, highlighted by evidence that BME women have had both the highest rate of unemployment (8.8 per cent) and the lowest rate of employment (62.5 per cent) throughout the pandemic.

Disabled women continue to be excluded from the labour market, demonstrated by the 52 per cent employment rate for disabled women workers compared to 85 per cent for white, non-disabled men.

The gender pay gap persists at 15.4 per cent, and the gender pensions gap is more than twice that, at 37.8 per cent.

We know that 54,000 women are forced out of the labour market every year due to pregnancy and maternity discrimination. And 1 million women have been forced to leave their jobs due to the lack of support for them while experiencing menopause.

Currently, only two in ten jobs are advertised as flexible. TUC research shows that half of working mums had had their flexible working request fully or partially turned down by their employer.

Violence against women extends into the workplace with half of all women experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, rising to 7 in 10 for disabled womenOne in eight LBT women have experienced serious sexual assault while at work.

Globally, increasingly authoritarian governments promote anti-feminist, racist, anti-migrant, and homophobic narratives. This has led to a global crackdown on reproductive, sexual and human rights that disproportionately effect women, girls and LGBT+ communities.

This year alone, we have seen attacks on same sex marriage and LGBT+ freedoms across Europe, legislation restricting abortion and contraception in the US, a new crisis of education in North Africa and the Middle East and yet more violence and harassment of trade unionists across Latin America.

As conflicts continue in Syria, Palestine and Afghanistan and new ones unfold in the Ukraine, we see women and girls have their  freedom shattered  and safety removed. But we also see our international sisters fighting back.

In Honduras, a female progressive president has been elected, ending the 12 years of right-wing rule which followed the 2009 coup. Today in Pakistan, for the fifth year running, thousands of women will take to the streets for the Aurat March.

This year, they will be protesting this year for increased wages, security and peace for women– incredibly powerful, given it was here that Malala Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban in 2012 for attempting to attend school.

In the U.S, after years of legal battles, the women’s national soccer team have settled a dispute on unequal pay compared to the men’s team to the tune of $24m. And, in February this year, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that establishes a collaborative partnership to improve occupational safety and health training and knowledge for women who depend on coffee production for their livelihoods across the globe.

Here in the UK, trade unions led calls for and won the commitment from government to introduce a preventative duty on employers, forcing employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in their workplaces.

And we finally got the government to commit to ratifying ILO C190, which recognises the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence.

We also have seen landmark wins on equal pay for work of equal value. We lobbied for guidance on risk assessments make clear that employers must carry out individual risk assessments for pregnant and new mothers in the workplace. And our campaign saw over 7000 responses submitted to the government consultation on flexible working.

So yes, there is always more work to do and some days – when progress feels slow – it is tough. But 57 per cent of trade union members are women, and we continue to lead collective action for women’s equality in the workplace, in our society and across the world.

Here are just a few actions you can take this International Women’s Day

  • The war in Ukraine is forcing many to flee their homes, putting women and children at heightened risk of violence. Donate to the ITUC emergency fundraising appeal today to help local and neighbouring trade unions provide essential provisions.
  • Join our calls to #demandbetter from companies using International Women’s Day as a marketing gimmick by signing up to our megaphone campaign.
  • Download our toolkit on tackling sexual harassment in the workplace and building preventative cultures.
  • Join a trade union

This International Women’s Day, we must remember and celebrate our hard fought for wins and continue to organise and agitate. And from our brothers and allies we need not just their solidarity, but their action.

As our sisters said before us: ‘Deeds not Words’.

#IWD2020

#BreakTheBias

Morrisons marks International Women’s Day by celebrating local women and donating to local community groups across the UK

Morrisons is marking International Women’s Day 2022 with a host of activity aimed at supporting women including donations of sanitary products, celebrations of local women and a relaunch of our ‘Package for Sandy’ initiative which addresses period poverty.

In addition to activities in our stores, sites and surrounding communities, we are also supporting The Prince’s Trust with its #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign as well as celebrating women in our business.

Until March 9th, for every Morrisons or TOTM sanitary protection product a customer buys, Morrisons will donate another pack to a local food bank or community group to help tackle the issue of period poverty. The products included in the campaign include tampons, towels, panty liners and menstrual cups.

To further support the cause, we are also reminding customers of our ‘Package for Sandy’ initiative where customers in need can go to any Morrisons customer service desk and ask for a package for ‘Sandy’ or a ‘period product pack’. The customer will then be given a free discreet envelope with sanitary products and no questions asked. The package is made up of a brown paper bag with two single sanitary towels.

Throughout March, the Community Champions in all of our 497 stores will be recognising and celebrating local women in the community who go above and beyond every day to help make a difference.

Rebecca Singleton, Community Director at Morrisons, said: “International Women’s Day is a key moment in the Morrisons calendar and throughout March we are planning a host of initiatives and events to help celebrate it.

“We hope this will help to tackle the issue of period poverty, recognising the outstanding achievements of the women in the communities that we support and thanking and celebrating women in our stores and sites across the country.”

Our colleagues are also attending and speaking at events held by The Prince’s Trust as part of its #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign.

Customers can find their local store at: https://my.morrisons.com/storefinder/

Sanitary protection products included in the ‘You buy one, we give one’ promotion:

ProductPrice 
M ULTRA TOWEL NIGHT TIME WINGS 10’S£0.65 
M ULTRA TOWEL SUPER WINGS 12’S£0.65 
MORRISONS 10 SUSTAINABLE NIGHT TOWEL X12£2.50
MORRISONS 14 SUSTAINABLE DAY TOWEL X12£2.50
MORRISONS 20 SUSTAINABLE TAMPONS X12£2.50
MORRISONS 32 SUSTAINABLE PANT LINERS X6£2.00
MORRISONS APPLICATOR TAMPONS 20’S£0.95
MORRISONS APPLICATOR TAMPONS REGULAR 20’S£0.95
MORRISONS COMFORT LINERS 20 LONG£1.55
MORRISONS COMFORT LINERS 24S£1.55
MORRISONS COMFORT PADS EXTRA 10’S£1.55
MORRISONS COMFORT PADS EXTRA PLUS 8’S£1.55
MORRISONS COMFORT PADS NORMAL 12’S£1.55
MORRISONS FOLD & WRAP PANTY LINERS 20’S£0.95
MORRISONS INCONTINENCE PADS 10 MALE£3.00
MORRISONS LARGE PANTY LINERS 28’S£0.95
MORRISONS MAXI DAYTIME TOWELS 24S£0.85
MORRISONS MAXI NIGHT COMFORT PADS 6PK£1.55
MORRISONS MAXI TOWELS NIGHT TIME 12’S£0.85
MORRISONS NON APPLICATOR TAMPONS REGULAR 16’S£0.75
MORRISONS NON APPLICATOR TAMPONS SUPER 16’S£0.75
MORRISONS NON APPLICATOR TAMPONS SUPER PLUS 16’S£0.75
MORRISONS NORMAL PANTY LINERS 30’S£0.95
MORRISONS PANTY LINERS 22 EXTRA LONG£0.95
MORRISONS PROTECTIVE UNDERWEAR LARGE 10’S£6.00
MORRISONS PROTECTIVE UNDERWEAR MEDIUM 12’S£6.00
MORRISONS SAVERS 10 MAXI TOWELS£0.40
MORRISONS SAVERS 12 INCONTINENCE PADS£1.35
MORRISONS SAVERS 30 PANTY LINERS£0.40
MORRISONS SUPER PANTS 12 LARGE£8.00
MORRISONS SUPER PANTS 12 MEDIUM£8.00
MORRISONS ULTRA TOWEL REGULAR WINGS 14’S£0.65
MORRISONS ULTRA TOWELS 9 CONFIDENT NIGHT£0.65
MORRISONS ULTRA TOWELS REGULAR 16’S£0.65
TOTM ORGANIC COTTON APPLICATOR TAMPONS REGULAR 16s£3.20
TOTM ORGANIC COTTON APPLICATOR TAMPONS SUPER 14s£3.20
TOTM ORGANIC COTTON MEDIUM FLOW PADS 10s£3.30
TOTM ORGANIC COTTON SUPER FLOW PADS 10s£3.30
TOTM REUSABLE MENSTRUAL CUP SIZE 2£18.00

More Than a Muse: Edinburgh exhibition launching on International Women’s Day

·         More Than a Muse launches on Tue 8 March (International Women’s Day) at The Scottish Storytelling Centre’s Exhibition Space in Edinburgh. Launch is free but ticketed.

·         Eight contemporary artists will showcase new work that highlights women from art history who have been eclipsed by the title of ‘The Muse’

·         The exhibition will run from Tue 8 March – Sun 10 April and is free entry.

More than a Muse, a new exhibition launching tomorrow, Tue 8 March (International Women’s Day) at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh will celebrate the lesser-known narratives of women from art history whilst simultaneously showcasing new work from current women artists.

Eight contemporary artists will showcase new work in celebration of women from art history who have been eclipsed by their title of ‘The Muse’. Artists whose stories deserve to be told and who deserve to have their work celebrated. Who didn’t just inspire great art, but also created it, yet are rarely seen as a creative force in their own right. Not just a face on another artist’s canvas, they are more than that, more than a muse.

This exhibition is an opportunity to tell and reclaim these lesser-known narratives and will spotlight the lives of women such as Stella Cartwright known as ‘The Muse of Rose Street’. Stella was the lover and muse of many Scottish poets including George Mackay Brown. Although her poetry was unpublished, she was an artist and poet in her own right. Stella’s life will be reimagined in a monologue by playwright and performer, Jo Clifford.

Dora Maar was a French photographer, painter, and poet. She is often referred to as lover and muse of Pablo Picasso and is depicted in several of Picasso’s paintings. She was a rising star in the surrealist circle of the 1930s and a great commercial and fashion photographer, but under Picasso’s influence she gave up photography and withdrew from the art scene altogether.

By some accounts, the beginning of Dora Maar’s relationship with Pablo Picasso marked the end of her own artistic career. It wasn’t until her death in 1997 that art historians were finally able to examine Maar’s masterful body of work in full. Maar’s work will be creatively interpreted by photographer, Monchromemaud.

Kitty Garman was muse to Lucian Freud but was an artist in her own right. Their five-year relationship was turbulent and became increasingly unstable due to Freud’s alleged infidelities and womanising, which took their toll on Garman’s health. Her life will be celebrated in a new series of acrylics by artist Harry Mould.

Others in the series are as follows:

The MuseBackstoryContemporary Artist and art form
Stella (‘Muse of Rose Street’) CartwrightCartwright was a Scottish muse and lover to a number of Scottish poets including George Mackay Brown. She was a poet and painter in her own right.Jo Clifford, poetry
Dora MaarMaar was muse to Picasso but was a photographer and painter in her own right.Monochromemaud, Photography
Kitty GarmanGarman was muse to Lucian Freud but was an artist in her own right.Harry Mould, acrylic and oil
Julia WarholaMuse and mother of Andy Warhol but was an artist in her own rightEmma Macleod, sculpture
Lee MillerMuse to Man Ray but was a photographer in her own rightMaria Poyato, sculpture
Elizabeth SiddalPre-Raphaelite muse but poet and artist in her own right.Geraldine Brennan, illustration
Hannah HöchMuse to Raul Haussman but artist and photomontagist in her own right.Lada Wilson,Photomontage
Georgia O’KeeffeMuse to Alfred Stieglitz, celebrated artist in her own rightMisia-O, photography

The launch is supported by a performance organised by the Scottish Storytelling Forum. Performance poet Imogen Stirling will share spoken word poetry whilst storyteller, Ailsa Dixon will tell inspirational tales of women from folklore to celebrate International Women’s Day and to mark the exhibition launch.

More Than A Muse will be displayed at the Scottish Storytelling Centre from Tue 8 Mar – Sun 10 April. No tickets required. (Please note in March 2022 the Centre is closed on Wednesdays).

Tickets for the launch on Tue 8 March are free or by donation and can be found on the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s website. https://www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com/ 0131 556 9579

Ends

Top Trumps: Celebrate Great Women on International Womens Day

Top Trumps have rounded up 30 of the most powerful, successful and influential figures in the world to celebrate International Women’s Day (8th March 2022)

Top Trumps has been an iconic card game for almost 50 years and over this time has launched hundreds of titles across the world in many different languages. From cars to football and Star Wars to Harry Potter and now Great Women.

Great Women Top Trumps features 30 Great Women over time. From politicians to scientists and Hollywood icons, you’ll be amazed and inspired by everything these women have accomplished.

Learn about some of the most brilliant and daring women from throughout history including Marie Currie, Harriet Tubman and Katherine Johnson, as well as contemporary icons like Greta Thunberg and J.K. Rowling.

The categories on the cards include, Year of Birth, Fame, Impact and Courage. Each card includes a biog about the person, explaining exactly why these famous faces will be remembered forever.

Explore some of the defining moments from the worlds of science, music, fashion, politics, mathematics and more.

What’s On at National Museums of Scotland: Exhibitions and Events

EXHIBITIONS & DISPLAYS 

National Museum of Scotland   
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF  
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Audubon’s Birds of America 
Until 8 May 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
Ticketed, £0-£10 
 
This exhibition examines the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and biggest books.   

Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a landmark work that achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations.   

Audubon’s Birds of America showcases 46 unbound prints from National Museums Scotland’s collection, most of which have never been on display before, as well as a rare bound volume of the book, on loan from the Mitchell Library. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see so much of Audubon’s work in one place.

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 
 
Book now nms.ac.uk/BirdsofAmerica 

LAST CHANCE TO SEE Scotland’s Climate Challenge 

Until 27 Mar 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 
Free  

This small exhibition highlights the exciting work being carried out in Scotland to fight against climate change. It brings together just some of the technological responses that have been developed in Scotland or that are being used here in the effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions. On show are a range of leading-edge equipment, much of it newly collected, alongside samples of natural material. 

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/ClimateChallenge
 

The Typewriter Revolution 
Until 11 Sep 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 
Free entry 

The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons. 

The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.

Visit nms.ac.uk/Typewriters 
 

Inspiring Walter Scott 

Until 8 Jan 2023 
Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 
Free entry 
 
On the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.  
 
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller and supporting Year of Stories 2022. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/walterscottexhibition 
 

*NEW* Book of Hours 

31 Mar – 3 Aug 2022 
Kingdom of the Scots gallery (Level 1) 
Free  

Explore the pages of an illustrated prayer book featuring a handwritten poem by a young Mary, Queen of Scots in this display.  

Written in Latin on vellum, the Book of Hours contains 40 exquisite illuminations by a 16th century Master artist. Used for private worship, it belonged to Mary’s great aunt Louise de Bourbon, Abbess of Fontevraud, who is believed to have gifted this precious volume to the young queen.

The book will be exhibited in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery in a display alongside other objects associated with Mary, Queen of Scots. Six different pages within the book will be revealed, with a new page displayed every three weeks. A QR code will allow you to scroll through the vividly illustrated pages in detail. 
 
The Book of Hours is on loan to National Museums Scotland from The Pininski Foundation, Liechtenstein. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 

Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life 
1 Jul – 13 Nov 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
Ticketed 

Explore the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders.  

This exhibition will look at the social and medical history surrounding the practice of dissection. It will trace the relationship between anatomy, its teaching and cultural context and the bodies that were dissected. Looking at Edinburgh’s role as an international centre for medical study, the exhibition will offer insight into the links between science and crime in the early 19th century. 

Supported by Baillie Gifford Investment Managers. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/Anatomy 

 
EVENTS

National Museum of Scotland  
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 
Open 10:00–17:00 daily  

Spotlight On: Audubon’s Birds of America 
8 Mar 2022 
14:00-15:00 
Auditorium, Level 1, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 
Free, advance booking required.  
Suitable for those aged 12 and over. 

Join exhibition Curator Mark Glancy and Paper Conservator Lisa Cumming as they discuss how our upcoming exhibition Audubon’s Birds of America took flight.   
Discover how Birds of America, one of the world’s rarest and most coveted books, was made, and learn about the ongoing conservation work to preserve these life-size, hand-coloured prints for future generations.  

Book now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 

Relaxed Opening Hour  
27 Mar 2022  
10:00-11:00  
Free entry  
 
These monthly Relaxed Opening Hours are for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.  
  
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.    

Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment. The Relaxed Opening Hour includes access to the entirety of the museum currently open to the public. At 11:00 sound will be switched back on, but visitors to this session are welcome to remain in the museum for as long as they like.   
 
Find out more at nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 

*NEW*  Edinburgh Science Festival 2022 

9 Apr – 24 Apr 2022 
10:00 – 17:00 

Two weeks of science-fuelled exploration at the National Museum of Scotland, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks.  

The Grand Gallery will be home to DataSphere, a multi-media exploration of the information driving our world. Elsewhere in the museum gets hands-on with amazing drop-in experiments from the University of Edinburgh, and children’s workshops exploring everything from Creative Coding to Disease Detectives.

Adults can enjoy a series of fascinating talks and debates on topics from climatology and the philosophy of science to death, folklore and the cities of the future. Speakers include A.C. Grayling, Jim Al-Khalili, Alice Bell and Mary Roach. And join DataSphere After Dark, with bars, a DJ and exclusive activities just for grown-ups. 

Take the chance to have as much fun as the kids as you send, swipe and scroll through the data that drives our world. 

To book or find out more, visit the Edinburgh Science Festival website. 

 
National Museum of Flight  
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF  
Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 – 16:00 
 
*NEW* National Lottery Open Week 

26 Mar – 27 Mar 2022 
10:00 – 16:00 
Free entry on presentation of National Lottery ticket (T&Cs apply) 
 
On 26 and 27 March, the National Museum of Flight is taking part in the National Lottery Open Week.   

As a recipient of National Lottery funding, we are inviting players to the museum for free for the weekend, to say thank you for their support. Please book a timed entry ticket online for every member of your group in advance of your visit. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 


ONLINE 

*NEW* Museum Socials: Audubon’s Birds of America 

18 Mar 2022 
11:00–12:00 
Online 
Free 
 
Museum Socials are created for anyone affected by Dementia and their relatives, friends and supporters. The monthly events create a friendly environment where everyone is welcome and all contributions are valued. They are suitable for first-time visitors and for those who might not regularly come to the museum, as well as people who have always loved visiting.  

In March, join exhibition curator Mark Glancy to learn about the making of Birds of America, one of the world’s rarest and most coveted books. 

Book nms.ac.uk/MuseumSocials 

The Joy of Birds 

31 Mar 2022 
19:30-20:30 
Online 
Free, with optional donation 

Join David Lindo and Paul Walton for an online discussion celebrating the joy that birds bring us, the urgent threats they face, and the science and conservation work protecting them.  

David Lindo, also known as The Urban Birder, is a wildlife broadcaster, nature writer and urban wildlife educationalist. He is Vice-President of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Honorary President of the Colombia Bird Fair, and was voted 7th most influential person in wildlife by BBC Wildlife Magazine. 

Paul Walton is Head of Habitats and Species for RSPB Scotland

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Book Now nms.ac.uk/JoyofBirds 

 
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For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789