Reading and Book Signing Event with Amy Gray

Reading and book signing by Amy Gray, celebrating her new book, Red Duchess: Kitty Atholl, A Rebel in Westminster.

Visitors enjoyed listening to Amy Gray in the ballroom at Blair Castle, discussing the inspiration for her book and her passion for learning about the Red Duchess.

Amy read passages from the book and answered questions from the audience. The readings gave an enticing glimpse into the fascinating life of Duchess Kitty – a formidable women that has been forgotten in the history books. Amy was determined to learn about the fascinating life of Duchess Kitty and as she could not find a book that gave her a full picture of the Duchess’s life, she decided to research and write the story herself.

Amy visited the castle numerous times to complete her research for her book and it was wonderful to have her return for this unique event.

Red Duchess: Kitty Atholl, A Rebel in Westminster is available to purchase in the castle gift shop.

Publisher’s Synopsis of Red Duchess: Kitty Atholl A Rebel in Westminster

A pioneering female politician who thought women didn’t need the vote; a conservative who shared platforms with communists; a shy public speaker who travelled the world speaking for Spanish refugees: the formidable Duchess of Atholl was full of contradictions.

Born into an ancient Scottish family and married to a philandering duke, Kitty rose above the constraints of class and convention to become a tireless advocate for women and children. By her election as the first Scottish female MP in 1923, she was one of the most prominent women in Scotland – and that was well before she shocked Westminster with outspoken rebellions against her own government.

She stood with Spanish refugees and challenged fascism, visited war zones and campaigned with her political opponents, criticised tyrants and wrote her own political playbook. In Red Duchess Kitty Atholl’s extraordinary life is brought to the spotlight she has long deserved – a compelling story of courage, conviction and a woman who refused to play by the rules.