The Vaughan Nash is a national handcraft competition. It celebrates creativity, skill, and presentation in both traditional and modern crafts. Each entry must include five handmade items, displayed together as one exhibit. The items should demonstrate a variety of craft techniques and be arranged to look good as one exhibit and be themed on 'Festivals'.

The Vaughan Nash competition will be exhibited at the new Members' Gathering (formerly the National Conference) in the Apex Hotel, Dundee on the 11th & 12th of September 2026.

Eligibility
  • Open to all SWI members across Scotland.
  • Entries must be from a team of at least two members (no individual entries).
  • Teams can include members from the same or different Institutes/Federations.
  • Each team's entry must include exactly five items.
  • Theme for 2026 is Festivals
Judging criteria
Individual items: Marks allocated
1. A knitting or crochet technique 20
2. A sewing technique (patchwork, applique etc.) 20
3. Any craft technique 20
4. Any craft technique 20
5. Any craft technique 20
As one exhibit (i.e all 5 items displayed together)
Variety of crafts 5
Appearance 5
Interpretation of theme 5
Total 115

The following prizes will be awarded:
  • 1st Place - Vaughan Nash Silver Medal
  • 2nd Place - Vaughan Nash Bronze Medal
  • Nancy Macmillan Trophy - awarded for the best piece of work in the competition outwith the winner and runner-up
  • President's choice - award to the 'best in show'
Important notes
  • A maximum display area of 30x30" will be provided, covered with a white tablecloth. Please ensure your items fit within this space.
  • Include a photo of your preferred display layout with your entry.
  • Each team must pack their items securely in boxes.
  • We aim to coordinate with Federations to set up local drop-off and collection hubs, making it easier and more cost-effective for members to enter.
  • All entries will be judged and exhibited at the new Members’ Gathering (formerly the National Conference) in the Apex Hotel, Dundee on 11th & 12th September 2026.
Key Dates & Entry Details
  • Entry form deadline: June 26th, 2026 (no late entries accepted).
  • Entry fee: £10 per team entry.
  • Once your entry form is received, you will be emailed an identification number (e.g. VN01) to label your exhibit.
  • Please consider arranging your own insurance cover for your items.
How to enter
Please complete this entry form by June 26th 2026. We will then send you via email the relevant identification number to include with your entry (e.g. VN01).

There is an entry fee of £10 per team. This can be paid via BACS or following the payment link at the end of this survey.

Account name: Scottish Women's Institutes
Account no.: 00763626
Sort code: 83-18-44
Reference: VN + your team name
Entry Details

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* Team name

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* Main contact details (all correspondence will be sent to the below details)

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* Item 1 (knitting or crochet)

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* Item 2 (sewing)

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* Item 3 (any craft)

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* Item 4 (any craft)

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* Item 5 (any craft)

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* Our entry will be..

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* Our entry will be..

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* Please confirm your payment method

You’ll enter payment info after the survey.

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