The Saltire Society has launched an online campaign to celebrate the most iconic and influential women of Scotland. The 'Outstanding Women of Scotland' accolade will be awarded on International Women’s Day on 8 March, with a Twitter poll taking place beforehand to collect nominations.
When suggesting nominees, the society named violinist Nicola Benedetti, who comes from Ayrshire, and percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, from Aberdeenshire, among potential candidates. Suffragette Elsie Inglis, poet Liz Lochhead, deputy first minister of the SNP Nicola Sturgeon and Eurythmics singer Annie Lennox were among others named.
‘As we look forward to celebrating International Women’s Day, I’m struck by how many Scottish women have made their own indelible mark on the cultural life of our country and far beyond’, says Susan Garnsworthy, a member of the society’s council.
‘In so many walks of life, it is as often the women of this country who have carried the torch for Scotland on a global stage as their male counterparts. International Women’s Day is the ideal opportunity to celebrate their achievements.’
Nominations for ‘Outstanding Women of Scotland’ are now being taken via Twitter. Use the hashtag #saltirewomen to make your suggestion.