Bessie Johnston, the first ever SWOTY winner in 1963. Over the decades, we have marked the achievements of a breathtakingly impressive list of women, from lifesavers to life changers, from business leaders to charity champions, artists to inventors. Guest speakers have included future Prime Ministers, Scotland’s top entertainers and even royalty - HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal attended our silver jubilee. In recent years we have introduced a second award, Young SWOTY, which pays tribute to young women aged between 12 and 21, who are already making their mark on Scottish society. Isobel Murdoch, a finalist in 1963, who went on to win in 1967. Pic: Herald and Times
Tomorrow night’s virtual extravaganza, in association with St Enoch Centre, will be streamed on Ongoing Covid restrictions, of course, mean that sadly we cannot hold our usual party. However, that means EVERYONE can share in the magic of SWOTY as we announce the winner of both our main award, and the Young Scotswoman of the Year trophy. Entertainment is being provided by a tremendous trio of performers at the top of their game – singers Melanie Masson and Marina Rolink, and poet Len Pennie. Melanie, who shot to fame on X Factor and has since toured all over the world, performing alongside artists as diverse as Pink and the Stereophonics, said: “I’m delighted to be part of SWOTY this year.