Aquila is woman of 2017
Award for minister
Fernhill and Cathkin Church minister Aquila Singh has won a prestigious award.
Aquila was named woman of the year at the Scottish Asian Business Awards in Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza on Thursday.
The accolade, which is voted for by the public, aims to recognise the achievements of an inspirational person who has made a positive impact on society.
In January Aquila became Scotland’s first Asian minister when she was ordained at Fernhill and Cathkin.
She said: “I am honoured to receive this award.
“It has been quite a year for me. I began it being ordained and inducted into my first charge and I ended it winning Woman of the Year.
“It was quite a night, with lots of worthy people winning awards, including many women.”
Born in Pakistan, Aquila moved to Scotland when she was two.
She was keen to praise the support she has received from the Church of Scotland, saying: “If you would have told me eight years ago that I would become a minister and then win Woman of the Year I would have laughed heartily at the suggestion.
“I want to thank the Church of Scotland for believing enough in me in the first place and accepting me into the ministry programme.
“It was hard work and at times challenging but I have the most amazing time and made lifelong friends.
“I want to acknowledge all the hard work done in churches, not only by ministers but by deacons, ordained local ministers, readers, ministries development staff, administration staff and the many other volunteers who work so hard.”