Outstanding Women of Scotland - Who Will You Nominate?

Launched in 2014, the Outstanding Women of Scotland campaign recognises and celebrates remarkable Scottish women from all walks of life who have made an outstanding contribution to Scottish society.

Each year, ten Scottish women from the fields of the arts, culture, politics, activism and science are honoured and inducted into the esteemed Saltire Society Outstanding Women of Scotland community. Previous inductees include the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon; singer-songwriter and political activist Annie Lennox, Playwright Jo Clifford and Scotland’s Makar Jackie Kay. 

This year, the 2019 Outstanding Women of Scotland Inductees will be announced as part of the Women of the World WOW – What Now? event in Perth on Saturday 5 October (side note - keep an eye on our events section here on Small City for full details on how to book, which are coming soon!) The event will see each inductee presented with a limited edition print, commissioned from an emerging artist and will culminate with a performance by comedian Lubna Kerr.

The contribution of women to the cultural life of Scotland has been truly remarkable Speaking on the launch of the fifth Outstanding Women of Scotland, Sarah Mason, Director of the Saltire Society said: 

"It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to celebrate truly inspiring women. Women who contribute both to Scotland and internationally, who change the world we live in. The Saltire Society exists to promote and celebrate Scottish culture and heritage and we are proud to have established the Outstanding Women of Scotland programme.

The contribution of women to the cultural life of Scotland has been truly remarkable but sadly too often overlooked or underestimated. By continuing to build the Outstanding Women of Scotland community annually, I hope we can begin to address that shortcoming and bring women to the forefront.

Alexandra Lort Phillips, WOW Perth Programmer 2019 said:

"What Now? Perth is delighted to be teaming up with the Saltire Society to present the Outstanding Women of Scotland in the evening. Following our highly successful WOW - Women of the World Festivals in 2017 and 2018 Horsecross Arts teams up with The WOW Foundation to present WOW - What Now? a series of major conversations taking place across the UK. 

Public nominations for the Saltire Society Outstanding Women of Scotland Awards 2019 can be made until 12 August 2019 Join us for a jam-packed day of creative conversation, debate, film screenings, a pub-style quiz and exciting speakers. Celebrating women and girls whilst taking a frank look at the challenges we all still face in the movement towards gender equality."

We know there are many, many amazing women living and working in Perthshire and encourage you to send nominations now! Public nominations for the Saltire Society Outstanding Women of Scotland Awards 2019 can be made until 12 August 2019 and are considered by an independent panel which includes previous inductees.

Nominees must be at least one of the following:

-          Have been born in Scotland

-          Currently live/work in Scotland

-          Have contributed to Scottish life

Main image: Back row: L - R Sarah Wanless, Jenny Brown,Karyn McCluskey, Louise Beattie, Beth Morrison

Front Row: L - R Talat Yaqoob, Janice Parker, Rosemary Ward, Isabel McCue