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 Traditional Broad-Edged Calligraphy, taught by Annette Reed, SWI 2025 Summer School tutor.

Successful scholars will:
  • Receive two full days of tuition
  • Travel expenses and accommodation if required
  • Learn to teach and deliver lessons on traditional broad-edged 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 Traditional Broad-Edged Calligraphy (formal learning, self-taught, or regular practice).
  • Provide a handwriting sample of both capitals and lowercase letters in a traditional broad-edged calligraphy style (minimum x-height of 5mm)
  • 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 Annette, scholars will learn how to design and deliver a traditional broad-edged 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 10 participants) while being supported and mentored by Annette. This gives scholars the chance to put their teaching skills into action in a safe, supported environment before delivering Federation-level classes later on in 2026.
Important Dates
  • Application deadline: Monday 5th January, 2026
  • Interviews via Zoom: week commencing January 12th, 2026
  • Training (SWI Central Office, EH6 5PH): Monday 26th – Tuesday 27th January, 2026
  • Scholars announced: February 2026
  • Programme setup: February - March 2026 (liaise with Federations to arrange up to 12 classes)
  • Start delivering Federation classes: April 2026
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 traditional broad-edged 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 a traditional broad-edged calligraphy style (minimum x-height of 5mm)

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

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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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