Nominations open for Outstanding Women of Scotland Awards

Nominations for the 2019 Outstanding Women of Scotland open today.

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

Previous inductees include the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon; singer-songwriter and political activist Annie Lennox; playwright Jo Clifford and Scotland’s Makar Jackie Kay.

Ten 2019 Outstanding Women of Scotland Inductees will be announced as part of the Women of the World – What Now? event in Perth on Saturday, October 5.

Nominees must be at least one of the following: Have been born in Scotland, currently live/work in Scotland or contributed to Scottish life.

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.

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.”

What Now? Perth has teamed up with the Saltire Society to present the Outstanding Women of Scotland in the evening.

Alexandra Lort Phillips, WOW Perth Programmer 2019 said: “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.”

Public nominations can be made at www.saltiresociety.org.uk until August 12 2019 and are considered by an independent panel which includes previous inductees.