PartytimeforSWOTY stars ahead of big night
FIZZ, fancy cakes and fantastic chat were on the menu as four of the Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year finalists met up ahead of the big night.
Sally Magnusson, Suki Sangha, Arlene Smith and Grace Warnock were guests of honour at the informal ‘tea party’ hosted by event partner St Enoch in the delicious surroundings of Kimble’s café and chocolate shop.
Fellow finalists Dame Professor Sue Black and athlete Sammi Kinghorn were unable to attend due to other commitments.
Forensic anthropologist Sue said: “I’m so sorry not to be there, but it is a real honour to be nominated alongside so many amazing women.”
World champion wheelchair athlete Sammi, who is in training for the Commonwealth Games in Australia in the summer, said: “It’s such a shame I couldn’t make it along. I’m over the moon to be considered for the SWOTY shortlist, it’s very special.”
Broadcaster and dementia charity founder Sally, equal rights activist Suki, inspirational fundraiser Arlene and young campaigner Grace joined friends and family, Evening Times editor Donald Martin and St Enoch General Manager Anne Ledgerwood for tea and cake.
Arlene, from Renfrew, nominated for founding Brightest Star, which has recently funded Scotland’s first support ambulance, said: “It’s lovely to get a chance to meet the other finalists. It was a shock to be nominated, but I’m proud to be part of SWOTY.”
Grace, who is the youngest ever SWOTY nominee at just 12 years of age, said she was delighted to be at the party with her mum Judith, gran Rebecca and friends Rachael and Nicole.
The Prestonpans schoolgirl, who has Crohn’s disease, has pioneered a new sign for public toilets which reminds people that not all disabilities are visible.
“I feel very honoured to be the youngest person to be nominated,” she said. “I don’t think I ever thought my idea for a sign to help people understand ‘invisible’ disabilities would get the kind of reac- tion it has. It makes me feel proud.”
Suki, who has campaigned for equal rights since she was a student in Glasgow, said: “It’s great to be here, to meet everyone involved in SWOTY. I’m really looking forward to the dinner in two weeks’ time.”
Sally, who founded Playlist for Life to help families coping with dementia, said: “This is a lovely way to meet the other finalists. It was such a surprise and honour to be nominated, I still can’t quite believe it.”
Evening Times editor Donald Martin said: “All of our finalists are exceptional and it’s great to be able to tell their stories, and to show people the incredible work they do.
“They are all winners, whatever happens on the big night.”
Anne Ledgerwood, general manager of St Enoch Centre, said: “We’re very happy to support SWOTY once again. We feel like we are part of the SWOTY family – just like all the finalists. It’s a lovely place to be.
“Every year, we are amazed by the stories we hear and the entries we receive – these women are all remarkable, and we’re delighted to showcase and honour their passion, commitment and hard work.”
The winner will be announced on February 15.