[5] Gauld’s involvement with the suffrage movement began in a very small way in 1909, when she is recorded as donating half a crown (12½ new pence) to Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) funds in Edinburgh.
[6] By 1910, Gauld was far more active as a leader, speaking on numerous occasions in the Edinburgh area - for example, in August at a “Hot scone tea", she spoke about the London Suffrage procession.
This activity (for example, painting the slogan “votes for women” in colour on black umbrellas before volunteers paraded in public with the finished articles) was lauded by amongst others Dr. Anna Shaw, President of the National Suffrage Association in the United States of America.
[12] A major event in 1911, which Gauld was involved in leading, was the demonstration regarding the Conciliation Bill when, along with Anna Munro and Alexia B Jack, she spoke from a lorry in Princes Street.
[13] In the following year, Gauld’s name came to prominence in connection firstly with speaking at a large public meeting along with Muriel Scott; both defending 'Edith Johnson' (alias of Ethel Moorhead) who had damaged the display of Scottish hero William Wallace's sword, in a protest aimed to show that liberty was 'won by fighting'.
[14] Secondly she was involved with the Women’s March from Edinburgh to London organised by Florence Gertrude de Fonblanque; Gauld is mentioned in Haddington and Dunbar[5] and was a key speaker in Trafalgar Square along with Mrs Despard, Anna Munro and other principals.
The event started with Nancy A John and Muriel Scott acting as Gauld’s fellow speakers in Charlotte Square – a parade headed by piper Bessie Watson then led the protesters to the house of Dr Cadell where Ethel Moorhead, who had recently suffered forcible feeding in Calton Jail, was in “a critical condition”.
[27] Two years later, The Vote lists the couple as contributing songs and dramatic performances at one of WSPU ‘s meetings in Edinburgh and also noted that all the entertainment had been organised by Gauld herself.
[28] 1915 saw both Gaulds taking part in Women’s Patriotic Service League fundraising events in aid of the Rosebery Royal Scots War Emergency Fund.