A Gude Cause Maks A Strong Erm - the story of the Orcadian Woman's Suffrage Society

Campaigning for women to have the right to vote took place from the latter half of the 19th Century up to the start of the First World War. Orcadian suffragists were part of that activism.

Researched and scripted by Fiona Grahame, the hand-painted animation by Martin Laird is stylised to make some reference to the world of 20th century art. The artist Stanley Cursiter was associated with the Orcadian Woman's Suffrage Society. He designed its banner and married Phyllis Hourston, one of its members. The design of characters and locations was inspired in part by his paintings, as well as period photos.

The narration by Orcadian Kim Foden is upbeat and enthusiastic. The original score by James Watson sets the tempo for the animation.

The animation was made possible with an award from the Scottish Government’s Centenary Fund which supported projects celebrating 100 years of some women gaining the right to vote.