SWOTY stars gear up for big night out
FIVE of the fabulous finalists in the 2016 Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year award met up for a warm, witty “tea party” ahead of the big night.
Alison Spurway, Laura Young, Michaela Foster Marsh, Selina Hales and Sarah Cleaveland were guests of honour at the informal get-together hosted by Kimbles and our event partner St Enoch Centre.
Our sixth contender for the title, blind Paralympic athlete and double Olympic gold medal winner Libby Clegg, could not attend due to training commitments. Libby said: “I’m so sorry not to be there, but I am over the moon to be nominated.”
Professor Cleaveland, nominated for her worldleading research into lifethreatening diseases, said: “It was a complete surprise to hear I had been nominated for SWOTY but a wonderful way to start the new year.”
Alison Spurway, who has dedicated more than 50 years to volunteering for Girlguiding Scotland, said: “I am very pleased to be nominated for SWOTY because it helps me to raise the profile of this wonderful organisation, which does so much for girls and young women around the world.”
Teapot Trust founder Laura Young, who set up the art therapy charity after the death of her eight-year-old daughter, said: “Tonight is a lovely opportunity to get to know the team behind SWOTY and to meet all of the incredible finalists.”
Michaela Foster Marsh, who founded Starchild Arts to help Ugandan orphans, said she was overwhelmed by the response to her nomination. “It’s been really lovely, and I’m delighted to be here,” she said.
Selina Hales, nominated for her pioneering initiative Refuweegee, which supports refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Glasgow, said: “I’m proud to be part of SWOTY.”
Evening Times Editor Graham Shields said: “All of our finalists are exceptional. Choosing a winner is always very difficult and this year is no exception.”
Anne Ledgerwood, general manager of St Enoch Centre, said: “These women are all remarkable, and we are delighted to showcase and honour their passion, commitment and hard work.”
The winner of Scotswoman of the Year 2016 will be announced on February 23.