INVERCLYDE was represented during International Women’s Day celebrations at the Scottish Parliament.

Five members of Inverclyde’s branch of the Scottish Federation of University Women (SFUW) went to Holyrood for the day.

And local president Anne Williams said it was a very worthwhile visit.

She was accompanied by Inverclyde Association founder member and secretary Dr Helen Dunsmore, along with fellow members Glenda Horton, Sheila Robertson and Sheila Campbell.

A total of 380 women were at the event, which was organised by the Scottish Women’s Convention.

Anne told me: “After lunch, Elaine Smith MSP, the Deputy Presiding Officer, welcomed us all to the debating chamber, where presentations relevant to women were delivered.

“The speakers included Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP, the Argentine Ambassador to the UK, Alicia Castro, and Waterloo Road actress Abby Mavers.

“We all then retired to the Parliament’s Garden Lobby to enjoy an evening reception sponsored by Thompsons Solicitors.” The Inverclyde Association meets every month in the Tontine Hotel for a meal and to hear a wide variety of speakers. Lunches and study groups are also arranged from time to time.

Their next get-together is this evening, when members meet for a meal at 5.30 and then at 7pm will hear Julian Hill talking about the ‘Crown Jewels’.

One of this year’s highlights will be hosting the SFUW annual conference in Royal Gourock Yacht Club on 17 May, where the guest speaker will be Baroness Goldie, who is possibly better known as former Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie MSP.

Anyone interested in joining the group should phone 633334 or 723553.