“A woman pioneer” the obituary called her. Right here before you stands a plaque commemorating Sarah Siddons Mair. This unassuming plaque on a grand Edinburgh building tells a powerful story. A story of a woman who dedicated her life to women’s education and suffrage.
Sarah Siddons Mair. Born in this very house at 29 Abercromby Place in 1846. She wasn’t just any Edwardian lady. She was a force. Her great-grandmother was the renowned actress Sarah Siddons famous for her portrayal of Lady Macbeth. Sarah Mair inherited a strong spirit. She carved her own path. She became a central figure in the Scottish women’s movement.
At just 19 she founded the Ladies’ Edinburgh Debating Society. This wasn’t just a social club. It was a revolutionary space. Women gathered here. They honed their debating skills. They discussed social issues. They advocated for change. The society even published a magazine. The Attempt later renamed the Ladies’ Edinburgh Magazine. It connected women across the country. Sarah Mair edited it along with Helen Campbell Reid. They even featured Josephine Butler’s essays on women’s work and culture.
Mair was instrumental in establishing St George’s School for Girls. It was the first school in Scotland to offer the same curriculum as boys’ schools. Up to university entrance standard. Imagine the impact this had. When Scottish universities finally opened their doors to women St George’s girls were among the first graduates. What a legacy.
Sarah Siddons Mair’s activism extended beyond education. She was president of the Edinburgh National Society for Women’s Suffrage. She mediated between differing campaign groups. She championed the cause tirelessly. After women over 30 won the right to vote she led the society into a new era. Focusing on equal citizenship.
Sarah Mair’s achievements earned her recognition. She received an honorary LLD from Edinburgh University. She was also awarded a DBE. This plaque is a fitting tribute. It commemorates her tireless work for women’s rights and education. It’s a small but significant marker. A testament to a woman who helped shape history. It’s a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality. A legacy that continues to inspire.