Holyrood to make room for heroines from history

Published on Monday 30 November 2009 08:53

HOLYROOD bosses are being urged to honour two pioneering Edinburgh women by naming rooms after them at the Scottish Parliament.

The parliament appealed for suggestions from MSPs of historical figures who had made a significant contribution to Scotland, after whom Holyrood's six committee rooms could be named.

Pioneering First World War doctor Elsie Inglis and Chrystal Macmillan, the first female to graduate in science from Edinburgh University, were proposed during a debate in the parliament marking 100 years of the women's suffrage movement.

Lothians SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "Their lives capture perfectly the story of the revolution that was taking place in the lives of women in that era. They also illustrate the personal courage and determination that were the hallmarks of the movement."

Edinburgh North and Leith Labour MSP Malcolm Chisholm endorsed the suggestion.

He said: "Chrystal Macmillan and Elsie Inglis would be highly appropriate names."