Scottish Heritage: The Spirit of the Herring Girls

At Art After Dark, we celebrate the rich social history of Scotland. This page explores a powerful narrative of resilience, independence, and the vital role women played in shaping Scotland’s past.

The Fierce Herring Girls: a legacy of grit

Discover the incredible story of the Herring Girls, remarkable women who travelled along the Scottish coast, following the fishing fleets. When the boats came in, these fierce and dedicated women would gut and pack the fish for sale, a crucial role in Scotland’s highly profitable herring trade which started as early as the late 17th century. The Herring boom came at the beginning of the 19th century, around 1807, this is when the Herring Girls peaked too. 

Pioneers of independence and enterprise

These women were among the first in Europe to enjoy free travel and earn their own wages, commanding their own fate. Their challenging work, involving sharp knives – or 'cuttags' – which could cause deep cuts and would be very painful when the packing salt came in contact. In spite of this, they loved their jobs and the freedom of travelling with like-minded women. during thier spare time they would sing songs, teach each others children and knit clothes for the coming months. 

Scotland's early champions of women's rights

The Herring Girls stand as a powerful testament to how Scotland was progressive in advancing women’s rights, far beyond many other countries of their time. Their story is a cornerstone of our heritage, inspiring new artistic interpretations at Art After Dark. Come and explore their legacy through our exclusive exhibition.