The national project visited Torrance in East Dunbartonshire one Sunday for a fabulous vintage tea party which celebrated the 90th anniversary of girl-guiding in Torrance. We weren’t there just for the cakes (though they were delicious! ) – one of the woman who featured prominently on the day was the legendary Miss Pirie, who devoted a large part of her life to supporting the Girl Guide movement in East Dunbartonshire. We recorded stories and memories from some of the ex guides there who had precious memories of happy times spent in Miss Pirie’s large back garden , where she had converted a garage into a Guide meeting hut, and of camping and walking adventures in the countryside of East Dunbartonshire. The women talked of the strength and kindness of Miss Pirie and also of how Guiding had given them confidence and helped them develop many life skills. The stories and memories recorded will feature in East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture’s Tales and Trails project and will also be held in the GWL archive.
Miss Pirie also kept beautiful hand illustrated journals, which are held at Kirkintilloch library and some of the journals were on display. These journals and log books will also feature in an exhibition in Edinburgh from 15-28th June as part of this year’s Harpies Fechters and Quines festival. Miss Pirie passed away several years ago, but I think she would have been glad to know that she is still inspiring women today.
