Five of our Girlguiding Midlothian volunteers have been recognised as 'Midlothian Wonder Woman' by Midlothian MP Kirsty McNeil in honour of International Women's Day.

Inspiring women from across Midlothian were honoured today by Midlothian MP Kirsty McNeil at an event at Bilston Miners Club on Sunday 08 March 2026, which is global International Women's Day, and five of our own volunteers were amongst those being honoured.

Elaine Wilson, Louise Allan and Anne Rutherford were recognised for their many years of service with 1st Dalkeith Brownies. The three have worked together as a leadership team for a combined total of 84 years. As a result, they have decided to retire together and will be stepping down at the end of March. Thank you to Elaine, Anne and Louise for your many years of dedication to your Brownies - you have definitely been Midlothian Wonder Women and will be missed!

Emma Fergusson was recognised as a Midlothian Wonder Woman for taking on the challenging last year of setting up a new Rainbow Unit in Roslin. Emma has been amazing, putting together a new team of people to start up 2nd Rosslyn Rainbows so we can offer places to the many girls aged 4-7 years who were on the waiting list in Roslin. It launched in January 2026 and means that Roslin now has two thriving Rainbow units! Thank you Emma for taking on the challenge and becoming a Midlothian Wonder Woman!

Lesley-Ann Miekle was recognised for more than 25 years service as a leader with 1st Danderhall Rainbows, where she has been a role model and advocate for girls, as well as her administrative work with Melville Division. Leasley-Ann has also worked for the NHS for 23 years where she is still a Health Play Specialist at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children. Lesley-Ann was busy helping at the Melville Thinking Day event today so was not able to collect her award in person (and is therefore not in the group photograph above).

Congratulations to all the amazing women who received an award today but particularly to Lesley-Ann, Emma, Elaine, Anne, and Louise!