Tribute at birthplace of SWRI
Longniddry WRI has confirmed its status as Scotland's oldest rural with the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate its first meeting 92 years ago.
Members gathered to witness the ceremony at the old Reading Room on the village's Main Street.
It was back in 1917 that Mrs Catherine Blair, a far-sighted and talented person, arranged to bring together like-minded women.
The inaugural meeting was scheduled to take place in Macmerry School, but an outbreak of measles saw the venue changed to Longniddry.
The women gathered in the Reading Room — currently occupied by Summer House gift shop — which had been gifted to the community by the Countess of Wemyss around 1890.
Speeches
To mark this auspicious beginning, members decided to commemorate the building as the venue for Scotland's first WRI meeting by organising a ceremony to coincide with their annual summer outing.
The plaque was unveiled by two Honorary Presidents of Longniddry Rural, Mrs Rita Meikle and Mrs Bella Porteous, who have been members for many years.
Both gave short speeches about the history of the Rural in Longniddry and their experiences throughout the years.
Full report in East Lothian News, June 26, 2009
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