Scotswoman of the Year 2020: ‘No matter what life throws at them, some women just rise to the challenge’

It is a wall of fame like no other – a reassuring reminder that in every walk of life, in every corner of Scotland, no matter what life throws at them there are always those who rise to the challenge.

In 2020, says the centre’s general manager and long-time friend of SWOTY Anne Ledgerwood, that rings true more than ever.

“It’s true - 2020 has of course been an incredibly challenging year for everyone due to COVID-19, but it has also brought to the fore some inspirational women in Scotland,” she says.

“Each and every one has played her part in helping this country during an incredibly difficult time.”

Anne cites Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice chief executive Rhona Baillie as a particularly impressive woman of 2020.

“Rhona has been chief executive since 2008 and her passion and strong commitment to Glasgow saw her lead a £21million capital fundraising appeal to provide the city with a new hospice,” says Anne.

“Rhona is a highly experienced senior healthcare director with a strong history of redesigning healthcare models.

“In a previous post, for example, she developed a service to support terminally ill patients who wished to die at home, receiving a special commendation by the Scottish Parliament.”

She adds: “Professor Devi Sridhar, chair of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh, has been instrumental in helping everyone to understand COVID and has been at the forefront of Scotland’s response to the pandemic.

“And Professor Linda Bauld, one of Scotland’s leading public health experts, has worked tirelessly to shape our understanding of the virus as a regular media commentator and an independent academic advisor, while conducting her own research to further knowledge of the virus.”

Anne recalls another great woman of 2020, Margaret Payne, who recently received a British Empire Medal for services to her community in Sutherland.

“The 90-year-old was inspired by Captain Tom Moore to do her own sponsored challenge,” explains Anne. “She scaled the height of Scotland’s 2398ft Suilven peak, simply by going up and down her stairs.

“In the process, she raised funds for the NHS, the Highland Hospice and the RNLI, with the total now at £434,000 – that is a fantastic achievement.”

Nominations are already pouring in for our annual awards celebration, in association with St Enoch Centre.

We want to hear who you think should succeed last year’s magnificent winner - Dr Corinne Hutton, quadruple amputee, inspirational charity founder and Scotland’s first recipient of a double hand transplant – and we want your nominations, too, for Young SWOTY.

Climate change campaigner Holly Gillibrand was named Young Scotswoman of the Year in 2019, while multiple World, Paralympic and European medallist Maria Lyle won in 2018 – who do you think should follow in their footsteps?

This award is open to girls and young women aged between 12 and 21.

Tell us about inspirational individuals who have already made a fantastic contribution to Scottish society by helping others, perhaps overcoming personal challenges along the way.

You can nominate for Young SWOTY by completing the online submission form or emailing by Friday, January 29, 2021.

A judging panel will draw up a shortlist which will then be open to a public vote #voteyoungswoty across our website and social media platforms.

The deadline for nominations for the main award, 2019 Scotswoman of the Year, is also January 29.

Who has inspired you in this year like no other?

It could be a celebrity or politician, a charity champion, a business leader or an NHS star.

Maybe it is someone in public life, perhaps it’s your next door neighbour – SWOTY has welcomed women from all backgrounds and professions, from all parts of the country, to its ranks over the decades.

To nominate your SWOTY or YOUNG SWOTY of 2020, visit the website newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/swoty/ or email ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk

Call 0141 302 7407 for more information.