An age-old Perth organisation will allow women to become members for the first time in its history, The Courier can reveal.
The Society of High Constables has voted overwhelmingly to tear up its original membership policy and let women join.
The body was formed in 1830 and its 100 members, who traditionally dress in silk top hats, white gloves and black morning coats, have a common interest in upholding the history and traditions of the Fair City.
Although women have been invited to speak at events, such as the prestigious annual dinners in December, the group has always had a strict all-male membership policy.
However, at the group’s annual meeting, members voted nearly 90% in favour of opening the door to female High Constables.
The move has been supported by Perth and Kinross Council leaders and is expected to be rubber-stamped by councillors next week.
Society moderator Charles Gallagher said: “We have been debating this for over six months and the membership voted in favour of making the change,” he said.
“We just felt it was the right thing to do.
“When we took this to the members and we got a resounding response, with 86.7% in support.
“The mood of our members was that it was time to change and modernise ourselves so that we can engage with everyone.”
He said: “We have quite a few members who have very professional daughters and they felt this policy was being unfair on them.
“Their daughters are high profile business people and, as it stood, they would never get the opportunity to be a High Constable.”
Mr Gallagher said that the High Constables’ society in Edinburgh was forced to change by the city council several years ago.
“They told them if you don’t change, we can’t be associated with you,” he said.
“It was our decision to make this change. No one has forced our hand.”
He added: “We’ve been to see our new chief executive and the provost and they have given it their blessing. Legally, they now have to take this to a meeting of the full council.”
New female members could adopt a similar uniform to the one used in Edinburgh: A dark suit with skirt and white shirt or blouse. Women wear a small bowler hat during drills and inspections.
Members take part in the traditional Kirkin’ o’ the Council ceremony in Perth city centre each May.
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesman confirmed that the local authority will be asked to approve the policy change.
“At the AGM of the Society of High Constables of the City of Perth, the Society agreed to change the society regulations by removing the gender specific references from the criteria of membership,” he said.
