Wemyss School of Needlework, Coaltown of Wemyss

Main Street, Coaltown of Wemyss, KY1 4NX
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06 - 14 September 2025
Overview

6 September 2025 (10:00 - 16:00) 7 September 2025 (10:00 - 16:00) 13 September 2025 (10:00 - 16:00) 14 September 2025 (10:00 - 16:00) The School has been in existence since 1876, when girls came to learn a skill and earn money. Under the present guardian, Fiona Wemyss, the School has progressed to teaching all kinds of Needlecrafts, supplying materials and designs to customers while still retaining the original building and wealth of historical pieces. Started in 1876 by Dora, eldest daughter of James Hay Erskine Wemyss of Wemyss Castle, the school was modelled on the Royal School of Needlework in London; but with a well defined philanthropic emphasis to teach a skill to local girls from which they would be able to earn a living and it provided this valuable facility for many decades. Since 2012 it was clear that the School must modernise and reinvent itself in order to survive. With the support of the family Trustees we have improved the building, installed modern communication systems and have greatly expanded the range of products that we offer for sale. We have also introduced better storage for our large textile collection, which is now exhibited on a regular basis; and what is more, we have started teaching again and are actively researching the history of the girls who attended the School in its early years. There will be lots of children's activities including colouring in of needlework designs, count the Swans, plastic canvas, wool and needles to have a go with. Guided tours will take place throughout our Doors Open Days. There will be a Museum and History talk about the School There is seating available and a ramp for wheelchair users to enter the building.

Address
Main Street, Coaltown of Wemyss, KY1 4NX

56.150264, -3.0905844

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