The fourth and final edition of the 'Small Steps' Dundee Women's Trail leaflet has been launched, offering children and families an engaging way to learn about notable women connected to Dundee.
Between October and December 2024, The McManus’s Creative Learning Team collaborated with Dundee Libraries and Dundee Women’s Trail to provide 92 primary 5/6 pupils from St Ninian's RC Primary School and Rowantree Primary School the opportunity to create a new, child-friendly leaflet. This edition builds on the existing ‘Small Steps’ leaflets released between 2021 and 2025.
The project aimed to help young people explore the lives of seven more women from the Dundee Women’s Trail who have made significant contributions to society in Dundee and beyond.
These women include:
- Lila Clunas - a school teacher and very active suffragette who campaigned for women's voting rights. She ran letter writing campaigns and often heckled the male politicians of the time, which resulted in multiple arrests. She was later elected as a Dundee City Councillor and served until she was 88.
- Mary Brooksbank - a mill worker, trade unionist, musician, and poet. At age 12 she started working (illegally) in the mills, and at 14 she marched with her fellow workers to get a pay rise. She played the violin and wrote songs about her experiences, and continued to be politically active all through her life.
- Bella Keyzer - who first worked as a welder in Caledon Shipyard during World War II, when women had to take over the "men's jobs" while they were away fighting. She loved her job but was paid off when the war ended and she could only return to welding after the Equal Opportunities Act was passed in 1975.
- Mary Buick - who lived at sea in a time where women on ships were considered bad luck. She had joined her husband on the HMS Ardent where she assisted as a nurse, and she gave birth to a child during the Battle of Copenhagen. She was later said to have helped embalm Admiral Lord Nelson's body in a barrel of brandy.
- Florence Horsbrugh - who was elected as Dundee's first woman Member of Parliament in 1931, only two years after women were given the right to vote. She worked on trade agreements, education, the beginnings of the National Health Service, and later served as Minister for Education, and joined the House of Lords.
- Mary Alcock - an eccentric businesswoman who ran a very successful drapery business. She made so much money that she "fear'd the Lord would turn against her", so she retired and turned her attention to raising lawsuits against all who had offended her. She later joined the Mormons.
The project included a mix of off-site school workshops and a visit to The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum for a tour and hands-on printing workshop. Through portraiture, storytelling, and comics, the children imagined what life would have been like for these women, and their artwork informed the new 'Small Steps' leaflet.
Cheryl McDermid, Creative Learning Officer at The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum, said:
“This project has been a fantastic opportunity for the Libraries and Cultural Services team at Leisure & Culture Dundee to collaborate with Dundee Women’s Trail and create a family-friendly version of the resource. The children involved loved working alongside local artists in their classrooms, learning about these influential women and their impact on our city. It was particularly heartening to see many participants visit The McManus for the first time and witness their talents blossom throughout the project. This experience has left a lasting impression and allows us all to appreciate and celebrate the contributions of these remarkable women.”
Elaine Hallyburton, Service Manager at Dundee Libraries for Children's Services, added:
“From start to finish, this partnership project has been a joy to be part of. Without a shadow of a doubt, the stars have been all the classes involved in all four leaflets. Their enthusiasm and creativity have illuminated all the women on the Dundee Women's Trail, highlighting their valuable contributions to history and society in a way that can be enjoyed by everyone for years to come.”
The exhibition of work created throughout this four-month project will be on display and open to the public in the Creative Learning Studio from Tuesday, 11th March until Wednesday, 12th March, between 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm. The 'Small Steps' leaflet will be distributed in schools across Dundee, local libraries, and The McManus serving as a lasting educational resource.
Pictured are back L-R Sue Moody - Chair of Leisure & Culture Dundee, Sharron Phin - Learning and Engagement Assistant, Moira Foster - from Dundee Women's Trail, Cheryl McDermid - Creative Learning Officer, Elaine Hallyburton - Service Manager for Dundee Libraries Children's Services and front - Pupils from St Ninian's RC Primary School.
