Just a few years after Legion Scotland marked its centenary, the Women’s Section has now done the same, with dozen of its members from across the country coming together for a series of events in Edinburgh. 

Coinciding with this year’s Women’s Section Conference on the 14 and 15 Junr, the commemorations included a service on the Royal Mile. The service, led by Padre Rev Dr Karen Campbell, was conducted solely by members of the section, including standard bearers. It also involved the laying of wreaths at the Stone of Remembrance, under the arches of the City Chambers. 

Business continued at the conference, held at New Haig House, where members also took the chance to view tapestries created specifically for the anniversary. 

National Chair Sheila Elrick explained, “We started with a civic reception at the City Chambers then followed a dinner to welcome the members which was held in Prestonpans Legion club and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. 

“On Saturday, a service was held at the war memorial where 50+ members marched along with standard bearers and a pipe band. this was very emotional for us by the cheers we got was also enjoyed by the public.” 

Elrick added, “It has been five years since we held a conference due to Covid and trying to secure accommodation, however this year it all fell into place just in time to celebrate the amazing centenary. The conference itself was held in New Haig House with support from Legion Scotland who also put on an exhibition of our memorabilia for us which was amazing and is still in place at the Poppy Factory. 

“As always we held a Haddington Cup competition which this year was a tapestry depicting 100 year theme of the Women’s Section. We also held Ann Robertson standard bearing trophy competition and the winner was Shirley Carmody from Inverness branch. There are also various other cups such as The Lady Astor, Queens Cup, Haig Cup and Aberdeen/ Angus Cup which are awarded annually for recruitment and proficiency. 

“Over the two days there was a buzz in the air not only for the sheer enjoyment of the women getting together, but just being able to celebrate the fact we have been going for 100 years thanks to our founder Lady Dorothy.” 

The winning tapestry was that of Mhairi Watt from Oldmeldrum/Inverurie branch. Guests included Lady Raina Haig and Lady Joanna Bruntisfield, who both previously served as national presidents. Grand President HRH Princess Alexandra sent a letter of congratulations.

The Women’s Section was officially recognised as part of the Legion family in 2024, despite an unofficial version forming in 1921. In the early days, the section organised events for its members. An early record of the Legion states, “Many of the [men’s branches] gladly admit that without the constant and willing cooperation of the Women’s Section, the men’s branches in certain localities would find it much more difficult to keep going successfully”. 

Speaking earlier this year, National Chair Sheila Elrick said, “I most enjoy being involved with veterans and the many friends you make. I also enjoy being busy and trying to help as much as possible for young and old. 

“My parents were both involved with the local branch, and they were keen to form a local Women’s Section. That appealed to me too, so I have been in it from day one – a founder member. We still have three founder members in Stonehaven Women’s Section.”