Meet our five finalists in the SWOTY countdown
Scotswoman of the Year 2018: Amazing achievements of our pioneering women will soon be celebrated in the grand final
MEET the world-changing women who are in the running to be crowned Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year.
Today we announce our shortlist for the 2018 award, which honours those who have inspired, educated and entertained us over the last 12 months.
The winner will be decided by a judging panel and revealed at a glittering gala dinner in the Grand Central Hotel on March 14.
This year, for the first time in the event’s 57-year history, we are presenting a Young Scotswoman of the Year prize. The winner, aged between 12 and 21, will be decided by an online vote – see panel below for details on how to vote.
SCOTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS ALICE THOMPSON
AS co-founder of Social Bite, Alice Thompson has helped to change the way people think about and respond to homelessness. The social enterprise sandwich shop chain in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen feeds, supports and employs the homeless community through a range of initiatives. She is the driving force behind Social Bite’s Wee Sleep Out and travels the country inspiring young people to get involved in the fight to end homelessness.
LUCY LINTOTT
FIVE years ago, at the age of 19, Lucy became the youngest person in Scotland to be diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Since then, she has opened up her life to raise awareness of this devastating condition and has fought to raise money for a cure – £183,000 and counting. Lucy lives life to the max, refusing to give up, and her positive attitude and determination to support others has touched the hearts of many.
MONICA ALLAN
MONICA won a landmark victory against the UK government in the Supreme Court after fighting the “same roof” rule – which meant victims of crime were ineligible for compensation if they lived under the same roof as the perpetrator.
Monica’s mother attempted to strangle her when she was five years old. By waiving her right to anonymity and speaking up on behalf of victims of violence, she has paved the way to ensure others will not suffer.
GILLIAN TAYLOR
FORMER nurse Gillian invented a revolutionary scale which can weigh seriously ill patients quickly, potentially saving lives.
The ground-breaking piece of equipment – the first of its kind in the world – means vital medicines can be administered swiftly, and it has already transformed emergency care around the country. Gillian used her years of experience as a nurse to come up with the idea and her passion for providing the best care to her patients was the driving force behind it.
JENNY GRAHAM
JENNY cycled around the world in 124 days, smashing the women’s record by a whopping 20 days. She rode 18,000 miles across 16 countries, unsupported, carrying all her kit, and cycling up to 15 hours a day.
Jenny faced everything from sub-zero temperatures in Australia and bears in Canada to speeding lorries on the TransSiberian Highway. Her incredible achievement is all the more remarkable considering she came late to cycling, and she now travels the country helping to encourage more girls and young women to get into the sport.