The Tiree SWRI entry
Photograph of the Tiree SWRI team’s entry at the Federation Show on Mull in 1986.
Courtesy of Mrs Johann MacKinnon
The first women’s rural institute was formed in Ontario, Canada in 1897. The movement spread to Europe and in 1917 the first Scottish institute was formed in East Lothian. The aims of the organisation were to combat rural isolation and to share methods of practical domestic economy.
Local institutes compete against each other and this photograph shows the Tiree team’s entry at the Federation Show on Mull in 1986. The Christmas cake made by Bella MacKinnon of Hough received first prize; second prize went to Johann MacKinnon of Barrapol for her knitted Arran cushion cover.
Elizabeth Robertson of Gott entered homemade wine and Vera Goldie of Baugh hand-made flowers. The tablecloth, which was part of the presentation, was embroidered by Bella MacKinnon.
Colour photograph of Tiree entry for WRI competition in Mull.
WRI entry for compettion in Mull in 1986. Christmas cake made by Bella MacKinnon, Hough (1st prize); Arran cushion cover by Johann MacKinnon, Barrapol (2nd prize); wine by Elizabeth Robertson, Gott; flowers by Vera Goldie, Baugh; tablecloth (part of presentation) made by Bella MacKinnon, Hough.