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Scottish women's rugby trailblazers celebrated with sustainable statues in Edinburgh

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date21 March 2024
AuthorSarah Lumley
Publication titleEdinburghLive (Scotland)
The statues are made from 100 per cent recycled plastics, and pay homage to rugby legend Donna Kennedy, as well as current stars Lisa Thomson and Francesca McGhie

They have been displayed ahead of the 2024 women's Six Nations, after research found half of young girls have been inspired to take up sport after watching the success of female athletes.

A study of 500 females, aged 10-17, revealed seeing successful women in sport has boosted the confidence of 65 per cent – with 55 per cent claiming it makes them feel like they can do anything.

But it's not just famous faces encouraging young girls to pick up the baton – as 38 per cent have been inspired watching their mum, sister, auntie, or other lesser-known females, engage in exercise.

The research, commissioned by Scottish Gas, which also created the statues, found 65 per cent who have watched sport have seen women participate – but 34 per cent are keen to see more female sports on TV.

It also emerged almost half of sporting viewers (46 per cent) have watched females play a sport in real life, and 43 per cent would like to attend a women's rugby game in person.

Speaking at the unveiling of the statues in Castle Street in Edinburgh, record Scotland Women's appearance holder, Donna Kennedy, said: "It's amazing to be recognised as a trailblazer, and hear how inspirational female athletes can be on the next generation.

"What we see around us, and what we're exposed to, has a huge bearing on our development – and with women's rugby in Scotland going from strength to strength, it is a great time to encourage more young girls to watch and play the game."

The research, carried out via OnePoll, found 72 per cent of girls like playing sports, and 55 per cent enjoy watching it. Exactly two-thirds believe that...

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