Ten Scottish 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 held at Glasgow Women’s Library last night.
Myrtle Simpson (Explorer of Arctic regions; sea canoer, climber and writer who recently received the Polar Medal) said she was ‘honoured and shocked to be included as an Outstanding Woman of Scotland’.
On being informed of her honour Professor Dame Sue Black said ‘How incredibly kind and amazing, I am inordinately grateful to the Society.’
This year’s ten inductees also included theatre critic and journalist Joyce McMillan; Dance Artist Rosina Bonsu; Writer, Performer and activist Jo Clifford; visual artist Sam Ainsley; performance artist and choreographer Caroline Bowditch; Journalist and community leader Remzije Sherifi; and co-founder of Glasgow Girls Roza Salih.
Following a tremendously successful inaugural ceremony in 2015, with inductees including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scotland’s recently appointed new Makar Jackie Kay, members of the public were invited to submit nominations for a third year. Once again, the key criterion for consideration was that those nominated should be living contemporary examples of Scottish women who have made a significant contribution to Scottish culture and society.
Created in partnership with Glasgow Women’s Library, the ‘Outstanding Women of Scotland’ community aims to recognise and celebrate remarkable Scottish women from all walks of life who have made an outstanding contribution to Scottish society.
Taking place at Glasgow Women’s Library, the special ceremony saw young volunteers from Glasgow Women’s Library present each inductee with a limited edition print from Edinburgh-based print maker Jessica Crisp.
Full details of this year’s ten inductees are as follows:
∙ Forensic anthropologist, anatomist and academic, Professor Dame Sue Black.
∙ Writer, performer, poet and teacher Jo Clifford.
∙ Singer and songwriter Horse Macdonald.
∙ Freelance dance artist Rosina Bonsu.
∙ Writer and critic Joyce McMillan.
∙ Radiographer, skier and climber Myrtle Simpson.
∙ Political activist and co-founder of the Glasgow Girls Roza Salih.
∙ Performance artist, choreographer, maker, teacher and speaker Caroline Bowditch.
∙ Journalist, writer, producer and community leader Remzije Sherifi.
∙ Artist and teacher Same Ainsley.
Commenting on her induction, Caroline Bowditch said
“I feel flattered and humbled that anyone would be moved to nominate me to be part of such an amazing group of women.”
“I thank the Saltire Society for the honour of including me amongst a list of wonderful women in Scotland from all walks of life and such breadth of achievement. If you can see it, you can be it.”
As part of the celebrations, the Society has produced a pamphlet similar to those featured in its popular Saltire Series containing biographies and a personal note from each of the inductees outlining who and what has inspired them in their lives and careers. More information is available online at saltiresociety.org.uk.
