Outstanding Women of Scotland

Ten women from the fields of the arts, culture, politics, activism and science have been honoured and inducted into the esteemed Saltire Society ‘Outstanding Women of Scotland’ community at a special event as part of the Women of the World, Perth.

Campaigners tackling period poverty, equality and the continuation of Scottish Folklore and folksong are among the 2019 Outstanding Women of Scotland Inductees.

This year’s ten inductees include Professor Jill Belch, Professor of Vascular Medicine Ninewells Hospital and Medical School Dundee, Margaret Bennett, Professor, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow and Jackie Brierton MBE, CEO of GrowBiz who provide support to anyone starting, running or growing a business in rural Perth and Kinross.

Gallery

Also featured in this year’s list of inductees are Editor of literary magazine Chapman, Joy Hendry, Celia Hodson, Founder of Hey Girls, which tackles period poverty ecologically, Chief Executive of Young Scot Louise MacDonald and Zakia Moulaoui, founder of Invisible cities who train people who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides of their own city.

WOW's entire ethos is to celebrate women and girls, and to draw attention to the inspirational and courageous women

Completing the list of 2019 inductees are Emma Ritch, Executive Director of Engender, campaigner for gender equality and Creative Director of The British Film Institute and in charge of the BFI National Archive, one of the biggest and most significant collections of film and television and the moving image in the world, which works with archives across the UK.

Since it began in 2015, the ‘Outstanding Women of Scotland’ induction has recognised and celebrated Scottish women from all walks of life and the inspiration their achievements set for the next generation. Each year, the campaign invites members of the public to nominate living contemporary examples of Scottish women who have made a significant contribution to Scottish culture and society for induction into the Outstanding Women of Scotland community.

Past inductees have included singer-songwriter and activist Annie Lennox, bestselling author J.K. Rowling and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. 2020 is planned to be the year that Saltire bring together its 40 inductees in a mentoring strategy to support and further inspire Scotland’s young people.

Taking place as part of the Women of the World Perth celebration, the special ceremony saw each inductee with a limited edition print from artist and illustrator Natasha Russell.

Full details of this year’s ten inductees are as follows:

• Jill Belch, FRCP, MD, OBE, FR(E), FAMedSci, Professor of Vascular Medicine
• Ninewells Hospital and Medical School Dundee
• Margaret Bennett, Professor, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow
• Jackie Brierton MBE, CEO of GrowBiz
• Fiona Dalgetty, Ceannard / Chief Executive, Fèis Rois
• Joy Hendry, Editor of Chapman
• Celia Hodson, Founder of Hey Girls
• Louise Macdonald OBE Chief Executive Young Scot
• Zakia Moulaoui, Founder & CEO at Invisible Cities
• Emma Ritch, Executive Director of Engender
• Heather Stewart, Creative Director, British Film Institute

Alexandra Lort-Phillips, WOW-What Now? programmer commented, "It was our privilege to host the 2019 Outstanding Women of Scotland induction as the conclusion to this year's WOW event at Perth Theatre, and on behalf of Horsecross Arts, I'd like to thank the Saltire Society for allowing us to be part of this esteemed ceremony.

Without these women, Scotland would be a darker place and we are privileged to be able to take this moment to celebrate and thank them.

WOW's entire ethos is to celebrate women and girls, and to draw attention to the inspirational and courageous women who are working to make things happen across the world. It is wholly fitting therefore, that the only Scottish event should welcome in, and loudly applaud, these fantastic women and the hope that they stand for. Congratulations to each and every one of them."

Speaking on behalf of the Saltire Society, Director Sarah Mason said:

We are excited to be building the Outstanding Women of Scotland community again in 2019 and having the opportunity to celebrate these amazing women and the work they do to make Scotland and further afield a better place to live, work and play. Without these women, Scotland would be a darker place and we are privileged to be able to take this moment to celebrate and thank them.

As well as recognising these women for their contribution, the Outstanding Women of Scotland Community is creating a tangible list of women who can, will and do inspire generations to come.