TENACIOUS, trailblazing women who have been part of Scotland’s rich history are being brought out of the shadows in a festive spectacular.
The light is literally being shone on figures spanning the 12th to the 21st century during the winter celebrations at Edinburgh Castle.
Helping to mark the city’s 900th anniversary, a light and sound show is transforming the castle, with one section focusing on six women chosen by Sara Sheridan, author of Where Are The Women?
With her help, their stories are brought to life on one of the stops on the Castle of Light immersive trail.
“If you go on tours round Edinburgh you find out a lot about Walter Scott, Adam Smith, David Hume and other men but you don’t get told much about the women,” Sheridan pointed out.
“Yet we have these amazing foremothers and their stories stand up to a lot of the stories we tell about the men. We just forget to say there were women around doing amazing things as well, so it was great to be invited to tell a few of their stories and see them come to life.”
Even though Sheridan knew the animations were going to be big she was surprised at how big they actually are.
“They’re on the Lava Wall and they are huge,” she said. The whole trail is a great spectacle to go and see. The castle is spectacular anyway and even more so with all this light and music.”
“She wrote the first European lesbian love poetry since Sappho so she is culturally significant for Europe, never mind Scotland,” said Sheridan.
Also included are Mary Brunton, the early 19th century novelist who inspired Jane Austen to write Emma, mathematician Mary Somerville, Sophia Jex-Blake, an early female doctor and pioneer of women’s medicine in the city, Nannie Brown, a leading Scottish suffragette who organised the 1912 march from Edinburgh to London, Kesaveloo Naidoo, anti-apartheid political activist and human rights lawyer who trained at Edinburgh University and Elizabeth Wiskemann, anti-fascist journalist and university professor.
All the women chosen are associated with Edinburgh to mark the city’s 900th anniversary.
“The animation tells their stories and there is a graphic timeline stretching from the 12th century to give that breadth of history and show that Edinburgh’s women have always been amazing and inspiring,” Sheridan said.
“It’s really exciting to see it come to life and see an outcome people can enjoy. When I was there, kids were watching and laughing and people were talking about it, so it was really nice to see their reactions.”
Sheridan (below) said she was particularly pleased with the delighted reaction from one little girl to the animations.
“If you are a little girl in Edinburgh all you see is big brass men and things that are named after men, but it is really important for our young women to see women achieving and achieving right throughout history,” she said. “It is important because if you can’t see it, you can’t be it. We have amazing foremothers. We are absolutely not short.”
Brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light will run for seven weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates until January 4, 2025. A special access night will also take place on December 8.
Emma Bowie, regional visitor and community manager at Edinburgh Castle, said: “Castle of Light has truly become a jewel in Edinburgh’s bustling winter schedule and this year’s celebration is particularly special as we mark the city’s 900th anniversary.
“This year’s event is all about bringing people together to revel in the capital’s incredible history as it comes to life on the castle walls. From uncovering the inspiring stories of Edinburgh’s trailblazing women to soaking in the vibrant energy in Crown Square, Castle of Light showcases the incredible depth of Scotland’s past while creating unforgettable memories for the present. It’s a spectacular way to celebrate this milestone year with family and friends this festive season.”
For more information, visit www.CastleofLight.scot
