Bessie Watson

Watson was born at 11 Vennel, Edinburgh on 13 July 1900, the daughter of Agnes Newton and Horatio Watson, a bookbinder for George Watson's printing company. Watson was encouraged to take up piping at the age of seven or eight as her parents hoped it would strengthen her lungs against tuberculosis after her aunt Margaret died of the disease. Her first set of pipes was a half sized set made by Robertson, the pipe maker. == Involvement with suffragette campaign ==

After seeing an advert for a pageant of historical Scottish women organised by Flora Drummond and the Women's Social and Political Union, Watson and her mother joined the WSPU and Watson, at the age of 9, was invited to play the pipes in the pageant. took place in Edinburgh on 9 October 1909 and marched down Princes Street before gathering for a rally led by Emmeline Pankhurst at Waverley Market. of the UK. Two years after the pageant Watson was invited to lead the Scottish "lady" pipers at the Great Pageant in London on 17 June 1911. A century later this location is now St Andrew's House, home of the Scottish Ministers and civil servants. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on 1 August 2019 unveiled a memorial plaque to Watson at her home in the Vennel. The plaque included a photo or Watson and an inscription:CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF Bessie Watson Scotland's Youngest Suffragette Born and lived here at 11 Vennel Plaque produced by. 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Cafe in association with the Scottish Government to mark the Centenary of Women's Suffrage Unveiled by. The Right Honourable Nicola Sturgeon MSP, First Minister of Scotland. "Deeds not Words" "Best For Bessie". Logo 6VT Logo Scottish Government The First Minister Ms Sturgeon said "I go into work in the morning to the place where Bessie would have played and knowing that I go in there now as the first woman to be First Minister of Scotland." == Piping career ==

Watson became the only female member of the Highland Pipers' Society at the age of 14, and won a number of piping awards. As well as a piper, Watson was also a Highland dancer-performing for example at a Women's Patriotic Service League Garden fete in 1915. == References ==