Edinburgh West MSP Margaret Smith, Donald Gorrie and several Liberal Democrat councillors joined thousands of others in Edinburgh on Saturday October 10th to mark the centenary of the great Women’s Suffrage Procession of 1909. The crowds were addressed at the City Chambers by Lib Dem Cllr Jenny Dawe, Leader of Edinburgh City Council.

More than 3,000 people marched from Bruntsfield Links to Calton Hill in an event organised by GUDE Cause. Many of the marchers dressed in the suffragette colours of purple, white and green with several dressing in Edwardian costumes.

Former MSP Donald Gorrie was following in family footsteps as his aunts had taken part in the original march in 1909 dressed as Scottish heroines.

Commenting, Margaret said, 'This was a tremendous turnout and as well as commemorating the march of 1909 marchers took time out to remember that across the globe women are still struggling to achieve equality.

'It’s vital to commemorate those women and men who fought so that women could get the right to vote . As an elected female politician I have more than most to thank them for. But it’s also an important way to highlight the issues that women in politics and society still face, issues like equal pay and representation in our parliaments.

'I applaud the hard work of the organisers and all those who took part and helped out on the day.'