Scotland’s Heroines –

– Fourteen Remarkable Women

The National Wallace Monument will shortly introduce its first heroines to The Hall of Heroes – to recognise the achievements and successes of so many remarkable women who have played a part in the story of Scotland.

Through their intelligence, their talent and their selfless service, women have enriched society in Scotland – and in countries all around the world. They have surprised, delighted and inspired generation after generation with their determination, their fortitude and their spirit – the very values which William Wallace stood for.

From a field with hundreds of names, the members of a special Selection Panel prepared a shortlist of fourteen candidates – and, at the beginning of 2017, the public were invited to place their vote for the candidate they would like to see honoured in The Hall of Heroes. Over 5000 votes were cast and in April 2017 it was announced that both Mary Slessor and Maggie Keswick Jencks received the highest number of votes and therefore they will both be permanently featured in The Hall of Heroes. For over a year, accomplished female sculptors Graciela Ainsworth and Csilla Karsay worked tirelessly to create fitting tributes to the heroines. The busts of Mary Slessor and Maggie Keswick Jencks, were unveiled on 24th October 2018. The next step will be to install the busts in The Hall of Heroes at The National Wallace Monument, this will take place in early 2019, forming part of the building’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

The achievements of these two remarkable women have left a lasting legacy, with many voters citing their own personal experience of the extraordinary work of Mary Slessor and Maggie Keswick Jencks.

Mary Slessor worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for native people in Calabar, including stopping the killing of twins.

The Maggie’s Centres, co-founded by Maggie Keswick Jencks, offer support to people with cancer and their family and friends. The centres help to make lives easier at such a difficult time.

Click on the images below for more information on all of the women featured on the shortlist.

Women who made a difference in the story of Scotland

The Next Steps

Work will now commence on installing a commemorative display which will recognise the chosen Heroines, and tell the story of the enormous contribution which women have made to the world.

After the first heroines have been commemorated in The Hall of Heroes, it is planned to continue the project to allow further heroes and heroines to be introduced over time. This project relies on public support and contributions, and is managed by Stirling District Tourism, a local charity which receives no external funding, and which is responsible for the management and operation of The National Wallace Monument.

More Information…

If you would like to receive further information about the Scotland’s Heroines project, or if you have any questions, then we would really like to hear from you. Please contact us at:

The National Wallace Monument

Abbey Craig

Hillfoots Road, Causewayhead

Stirling FK9 5LF

Tel: 01786 472 140

E-mail: [email protected]