The history of Soroptimist International Scotland North stretches back to the early years of the Soroptimist movement in Britain. Founded in Oakland, California, in 1921, Soroptimism reached Britain during the 1920s, bringing together women committed to friendship, professional development, community service and improving opportunities for women and girls.
Originally, British Soroptimist clubs belonged to the European Federation. However, the establishment of the Federation of Great Britain and Ireland in 1934 led to a new organisational structure, with nine Divisional Unions created to provide a link between individual clubs and the Federation.
The Formation of Scotland North
In March 1936, the existing Scotland East and Scotland West Divisional Unions were reorganised into Scotland North and Scotland South.
The new Scotland North Divisional Union comprised four clubs: Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness and Perth. Glasgow and Edinburgh became part of Scotland South.
As Soroptimism expanded, Scotland North welcomed clubs in Crieff and Easter Ross. At various times, clubs also flourished in Elgin, Pitlochry and St Andrews and District.
The Divisional Union initially met four or five times each year, with meetings rotating between club towns. The presidency and secretaryship were traditionally shared between clubs, allowing members from different communities to contribute to regional leadership.
Originally, attendance at business meetings was restricted to officers and elected club representatives. Over time, participation became more inclusive, encouraging ordinary members to attend and become involved in regional activities.
Building Friendships Across Scotland
One of Scotland North’s most enduring traditions has been its commitment to friendship and cooperation between clubs.
The first gathering of all Scottish Soroptimist clubs took place in Perth in 1934, establishing a tradition of Scottish conferences that has continued for generations.
The annual Joint Scottish Conference, organised alternately by Scotland North and Scotland South, became an important opportunity for members to exchange ideas, hear inspirational speakers and develop projects together.
Four women from Scotland North clubs have served as Federation President: Dr Edith Philip Smith, Dr Priscilla Turnbull and Dr Hilary-Kay Young from Dundee, and Dr Mary Esslemont from Aberdeen.
An important change came in 1990, when the Federation decided that Divisional Unions should be renamed Regions. The organisation consequently became Soroptimist International Scotland North Region, reflecting a more modern approach to cooperation, leadership and participation.
Regional meetings developed into full-day gatherings, combining formal business with guest speakers, training, workshops and opportunities for members to share experiences.
hroughout its history, Scotland North has combined friendship with practical service.
Scotland North Chain of Office.
Scotland North Today
Scotland North continues to bring together Soroptimists from across northern and eastern Scotland, with clubs in Aberdeen, Crieff, Easter Ross, Inverness and Nairn, and Perth.
Although the organisation has changed considerably since 1936, its underlying purpose remains the same: to unite women in friendship and action, supporting projects that promote education, equality, safety and opportunity for women and girls.
From its beginnings as a small Divisional Union of four clubs, Scotland North has developed into an enduring regional network, connecting generations of women who share a determination to make a positive difference in their communities and throughout the world.