Pioneering Moray scientist to be celebrated at major Keith event

Schools, international guests and local organisations will come together for a day of music, science, heritage and cultural exchange, recognising the achievements of the Keith-born marine biologist whose work helped shape global understanding of sea life. 

Organised jointly by Keith Primary School, Keith Grammar School, the Banffshire Lieutenancy and the London-based Electric Voice Theatre, the event will take place across Keith. The activities will be centred at Keith Primary School, Newmill Primary School and Scotscraig Gardens. The day marks the culmination of Isabella’s Footsteps, a year-long science and music project involving pupils from both schools and the area’s involvement in the national Sakura Cherry Tree Project. 

Isabella Gordon OBE FZS FLS (1901-1988) was a leading expert in crabs and related marine species. She built an international reputation at the Natural History Museum, becoming its first female permanent scientific staff member and developed lasting links with Japan during her career. 

The day will feature pupil performances inspired by her life and work, the launch of a new children’s book about Gordon and the unveiling of commemorative plaques at three locations in Keith. 

The unveiling of plaques and the blessing of cherry trees - gifted by the Japan-British Society and Japan Matsuri - will symbolise the enduring cultural and scientific connections between Scotland and Japan. They will provide a lasting legacy for future generations of friendship between the people of the two nations.

Proceedings will begin at 10.30am at Keith Primary School, led by Andrew Simpson, Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire. The programme will include speeches from invited guests and contributors including Mr Katsutoshi Takeda, Consul General of Japan, followed by a piped procession to Scotscraig Gardens for the final ceremonies. Members of Isabella’s family will be travelling to Keith to take part in the day and learn more about their famous ancestor.

Moray Council Leader Cllr Kathleen Robertson said: “It’s great to see pupils from Keith and Newmill at the heart of this project, learning about Isabella Gordon’s achievements and bringing her story to life through music and science. She’s such an inspirational role model for all of us - not just our pupils - yet remains relatively unknown. I’ve no doubt her story will encourage others to explore their own interests and ambitions and I’m delighted to celebrate such a fantastic pioneer of STEM, whose work continues to inspire curiosity, creativity and innovation today.”

Andrew Simpson, Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire, said: “It is a privilege to honour Isabella Gordon, celebrating both her remarkable scientific achievements and the lasting international connections she helped to build. This event brings together young people, community and global partners in a way that reflects Isabella’s legacy and ensures her story continues to inspire future generations.” 

Frances Lynch, Artistic Director of Electric Voice Theatre, added: “Electric Voice Theatre feel privileged to have been welcomed so warmly by the communities in Keith & Newmill and to have been able to spend such creative time with the very talented and hard working pupils from both schools. You will be able to see their brilliant work online after the ceremonies. We can hardly believe, after so many years of working to have Isabella Gordon’s importance recognised, that she is to be honoured in this way by her hometown.

“We are grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery Players, The Scottish Fisherman’s Trust and The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation for funding the project and the many supporters locally and nationally who have helped us to make this happen. The Sakura Cherry Tree project is the perfect partner for these events given how much seeing the cherry blossom during her Japan visit meant to Isabella for the rest of her life. It is also fitting that her successor at the Natural History Museum in London, Miranda Lowe CBE, has been working on this project and will be involved in the celebrations.”

Schedule:

Isabella’s Footsteps: From Scotland to Japan

10.30am, Keith Primary School – songs, speeches and launch of free story book for children

Cherry Tree ceremonies and plaque unvelings

11.30am – Keith Primary School grounds

12pm – Scotscraig Gardens

2pm – St Thomas’ Primary School Grounds