Join Karen as she talks to historian and local Edinburgh tour guide, Ruth Boreham about the independent women of Edinburgh.

We explore the Stevenson sisters, Jane, Flora, Louisa and Eliza, who played a role in shaping Edinburgh's education for girls. The 1872 Education (Scotland) Act made it possible for women to serve on School Boards and Flora, the baby sister, was one of the first two women to be elected, and continued in this role for her whole life, eventually becoming Chairman of the Board in 1899.

We also talk about the Burton family by focusing on three women who made a great impact and held space for women at the time including Mary Elizabeth Burton, who became the head gardener of Mavisbank House.

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Join historian Dr Karen Mailley as she chats to artist Elaine Woo MacGregor. We talk about Elaine's art training and career and and her colourful and powerful work which often represents strong women in the public eye. Weirdly, we also talk about arsenic, green ladies and ghosties all which are relevant, I assure you!

Elaine Woo MacGregor is a Scottish-born Chinese artist trained in the Glasgow School

of Art. She graduated with a Bachelors Degree with honours, acquired a studio and began working as a full-time artist. She has exhibited in galleries in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Cambridge and abroad.

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In this episode Karen and Niall Murphy discuss Scotland's architects and architecture focusing on Kathryn Findlay and Zara Hadid. They talk about the blue plaque scheme, how architects should be commemorated, and smashing the patriarchy. Also, there is mention of a 'soft and hairy' house. Intrigued?

Niall is an architect with 25 years of experience, specialising in heritage, conservation, and community issues in Glasgow. He is currently the Co-Chair of the Glasgow Built Heritage Commission, is a Trustee of the Built Environment Forum Scotland, has been the Chair of the Govanhill Baths Building Preservation Trust and served on the Glasgow Urban Design Panel for a decade. He has received several awards, including the Glasgow Doors Open Day Outstanding Talk Award (2025), and frequently lectures on architecture and urban design.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.