Marjorie Linklater facts for kids

Marjorie Linklater (born MacIntyre; 19 March 1909 – 29 June 1997) was a Scottish activist. She worked hard to protect the arts and environment on the Orkney islands. Marjorie first studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. However, she chose to focus on protecting nature, improving education, and helping with health issues.

She became a local councilor for Ross and Cromarty. Later, in 1975, she was chosen to lead the Orkney Heritage Society. She fought for the arts, the environment, and local history. Marjorie successfully stopped plans to mine uranium and dump nuclear waste near Orkney. She also helped start the St Magnus Festival, a big arts event. After she passed away, the Orkney Heritage Society created an award for students in her honor.

Marjorie's Early Life and Education

Marjorie Linklater was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on 19 March 1909. Her father, Ian MacIntyre, was a famous Scottish rugby player and later a politician. Marjorie was one of six children in her family.

She went to school at St George's School, Edinburgh and Downe House School in England. After finishing school, she enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She acted in a few small plays in London's West End. However, Marjorie soon realized that acting was not for her. In 1930, she decided to return to Edinburgh.

Marjorie's Work and Campaigns

Back in Edinburgh, Marjorie Linklater became very active in her community. She worked with actor Michael MacOwan to help create the National Theatre of Scotland. She also produced plays for drama festivals and played the cello in an orchestra.

In 1947, Marjorie moved to Easter Ross. By 1953, she became a county councillor for Ross and Cromarty. In this role, she worked on protecting nature, improving education, and health. Marjorie helped create a secondary school in Plockton, a village where people spoke Gaelic. This meant children did not have to travel far for school. She even helped the Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean become the headteacher there.

Marjorie also made sure public toilets were built in popular tourist spots. People even nicknamed her "Ross-shire's lavatory queen"! She was also a member of the Scottish Arts Council from 1957 to 1963. She served on other important groups too, like the Inverness Hospital Board.

Protecting Orkney's Future

In 1975, Marjorie returned to Orkney. The next year, she was elected to lead the Orkney Heritage Society. She immediately faced two big challenges. There were plans to mine uranium on Orkney's mainland. Also, there were ideas to dump nuclear waste off the island's west coast. Marjorie fought hard against both of these plans.

She also convinced the oil industry to pay for a full-time archaeologist. This person would look after Orkney's rich ancient history. In 1976, Marjorie Linklater, along with Peter Maxwell Davies, helped start the St Magnus Festival. This festival celebrates arts and culture. She also created the Johnsmas Foy, a main literary event for the festival.

In the 1970s, Marjorie joined the Scottish National Party (SNP). She became the head of the Orkney and Shetland branch. She also worked for Winnie Ewing, who was a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Highlands and Islands. Marjorie handed out leaflets and campaigned for local candidates in elections.

She worked with Laura Grimond to restore the old 8th-century St Boniface Kirk. Marjorie was also a founding member and leader of the Pier Arts Centre. She helped start the Orkney Folk Festival too.

Marjorie's Family Life

Marjorie Linklater was a Christian and a strong supporter of Scottish independence. She married the writer Eric Linklater on 1 June 1933. They were married until his death on 7 November 1974. They had four children together. Their children included the writer Andro Linklater and the newspaper editor Magnus Linklater. Marjorie passed away from cancer and heart failure on 29 June 1997, at her home in Kirkwall, Orkney.

Marjorie's Lasting Impact

In 2000, the Orkney Heritage Society created an award in Marjorie Linklater's memory. It is called The Marjorie Linklater Writing Award. This award goes to older high school students and students at Orkney College. They receive it for writing a short creative piece. Members of the Linklater family are part of the judging panel for this award.