About the Scholarship
Devised in honour of Evelyn Baxter, a prominent SWI member and advocate for craftsmanship, the Evelyn Baxter Scholarship Programme promotes traditional crafts and skills among women across Scotland. Each year, scholars receive expert tuition and then share their knowledge with SWI members and communities, helping preserve Scotland’s cultural heritage.

For 2026, the craft subject is Pointed Pen Calligraphy, taught by Jemma Toller (The Coastal Pen Calligraphy Studio).

Successful scholars will:
  • Receive two full days of tuition
  • Travel expenses and accommodation if required
  • Learn to teach and deliver lessons on pointed pen calligraphy
  • Represent the Evelyn Baxter Programme throughout 2026 by teaching Federation-level classes across Scotland
Eligibility

Applicants must:
  • Be a current SWI member.
  • Demonstrate skill and interest in Pointed Pen Calligraphy (formal learning, self-taught, or regular practice).
  • Provide a handwriting sample in Copperplate at 6mm x-height (both capitals, lowercase, and a pangram such as The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog).
  • Be willing and able to:
    • Attend the 2-day tailored teaching programme.
    • Travel across Scotland to deliver classes in 2026.
    • Represent SWI as a scholar, working with central office and members.
Some experience in sharing skills or teaching is desirable, but not essential. Enthusiasm, communication skills, and willingness to learn are equally valuable.

The Two-Day Training Programme
The successful applicants will take part in a two-day tailored training programme at SWI Central Office (EH6 5PH).
  • Day 1 – Teacher Preparation: Under the guidance of Jemma Toller, scholars will learn how to design and deliver a pointed pen calligraphy training session. This day focuses on lesson structure, teaching methods, and preparing to support learners effectively.
  • Day 2 – Practice Teaching: Scholars will deliver a practice class to a small group of members (maximum 6 participants) while being supported and mentored by Jemma. This gives scholars the chance to put their teaching skills into action in a safe, supported environment before delivering Federation-level classes in 2026.
Important Dates
  • Application deadline: October 20th, 2025
  • Interviews via Zoom: week commencing October 27th, 2025
  • Training (SWI Central Office, EH6 5PH): November 6th–7th, 2025
  • Scholars announced: November 2025
  • Programme setup: November–December 2025 (liaise with Federations to arrange up to 12 classes)
  • Class calendar finalised: December 2025
Quick Application Form

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* Name

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* Address

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* Phone number

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* Which Federation are you with?

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* What is your membership number?

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* Calligraphy Experience
Please describe your experience with pointed pen calligraphy (formal training, self-taught, or regular practice). Max 200 words

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* Teaching / Sharing Experience
Tell us about any experience you have in teaching, mentoring, or sharing skills (formal or informal). Max 200 words

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* Motivation
Why would you like to become an Evelyn Baxter Scholar for 2026? Max 200 words

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* Skills Assessment
Please confirm you will complete the following to accompany your application.
  • Write both capitals and lowercase letters in Copperplate (x-height 6mm).
  • Write the pangram: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
(These may be submitted on up to 2 sheets of paper.)

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* If you chose to upload a copy of my handwriting sample, please do so below.

PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF file types only.
Choose File

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* Agreement
I confirm that I am a current SWI member and, if successful, I am willing to:
  • Attend the 2-day tailored teaching programme.
  • Deliver Federation-level classes across Scotland during 2026.
  • Represent the SWI as an Evelyn Baxter Scholar.

Contact for Queries
For further information, please contact: beth.spencer@theswi.org.uk

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