The Ladies of the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee came together today for a warm and lively afternoon tea at the Malmaison Hotel—an event designed to strengthen connections, encourage new membership, and raise vital funds for Dundee International Women’s Aid.

This gathering wasn’t just a social occasion; it was a celebration of Dundee’s long-standing identity as “She Town”, a nickname rooted in the city’s history of formidable, industrious women who powered its mills, drove its economy, and shaped its character. Dundee’s story has always been intertwined with the resilience and ingenuity of its women, and today’s event echoed that legacy with pride.

The Ladies of the Nine Trades represent a modern extension of the city’s historic craft guilds—organisations that have supported Dundee’s development for centuries. Today, the women involved bring an impressive breadth of expertise across professions, industries, and creative disciplines. Their collective skill set is as diverse as it is dynamic, reflecting the evolving role of women in shaping Dundee’s future just as powerfully as they shaped its past.

The afternoon tea offered members the chance to get to know one another better, share experiences, and welcome newcomers into the fold. Strengthening these relationships is central to the group’s mission: to preserve tradition while championing progress, collaboration, and community impact.

A key purpose of the event was to raise funds for Dundee International Women’s Aid, an organisation that provides essential support to women and children experiencing domestic abuse. By aligning their gathering with this cause, the Ladies of the Trades underscored their commitment to uplifting and protecting women across the city—continuing the legacy of solidarity that Dundee is known for.

From the jute mills to journalism, from shipbuilding to science, Dundee’s women have always been central to its identity. Today’s event at Malmaison was a reminder that this spirit endures. The Ladies of the Nine Incorporated Trades are not only custodians of tradition—they are active contributors to Dundee’s cultural, social, and professional landscape.

Their afternoon tea was a celebration of connection, empowerment, and purpose. And in true Dundee fashion, it showed that when the city’s women come together, they create something powerful.