Scotswoman of the Year 2020: Winners revealed as landmark event marks digital first

In a virtual ceremony held in association with St Enoch Centre and streamed from the Glasgow shopping mall on social media last night, Professor Jill Belch was awarded the title in honour of her inspirational effort to support NHS staff on the frontline fighting coronavirus.

Writer and campaigner Amanda Amaeshi was crowned Young SWOTY 2020 after winning the public vote.

Amanda Amaeshi, 2020 Young SWOTY

Jill, who is a Professor in Vascular Medicine at Dundee University responsible for groundbreaking and lifesaving research, set up Masks for Scotland last March, raising almost £440,000 and delivering one million pieces of PPE around the country.

She said: “Winning SWOTY means – wow. So fantastic.

“Importantly, it allows me to thank everyone involved – my daughters Janette, Lucy and Joanna and their partners, the wonderful volunteer drivers, neighbours, Angela Higgins and her team, Ann Gloag’s finance team and the 4000-plus people who donated. Everyone, thank you. You did good, and this award is for you.”

Professor Jill Belch, Scotswoman of the Year 2020. Pic: Kirsty Anderson

Glasgow Times Editor Callum Baird said: “Jill’s incredible work during the pandemic made a tangible difference in Scotland’s battle against the virus, just when we needed it most. Her charity took Scotland by storm, raised hundreds of thousands of pounds and won the endorsement of famous faces up and down the country.

“She is an inspiration both in her day job and outside of it.”

Amanda Amaeshi is one of only 18 Girlguiding Youth Advocates across the UK, speaking up on issues that matter to young women across the country.

Callum said: “Amanda is an inspiration. She has taken on business bosses over gender bias, is an awardwinning writer and has a track record already on speaking out on racism and injustice wherever she finds it. We’re delighted she is our 2020 Young SWOTY.”

Amanda said: “Being the 2020 Young Scotswoman of the Year means I can become a positive role model for other young women.

“Hopefully the work I have done will inspire others, especially those from ethnic minority groups, to contribute positively to society in their own way.

“After all, everyone’s voice, regardless of who they are or where they come from, is important and deserves to be heard. I believe if we all work together to fight injustice, we will make the world a better place.”

Anne Ledgerwood, Centre Director, St Enoch Centre

Anne Ledgerwood, centre director of St. Enoch Centre and SWOTY judge, said: “This year’s SWOTY is truly inspirational. To put it simply, what Professor Belch and her team of volunteers and supporters managed to achieve with the Masks for Scotland campaign is nothing short of incredible. Her sense of urgency about what needed to be done, and how best to go about achieving such a massive fundraising target and logistical operation was vital to the campaign’s success.

“This year’s young Scotswoman of the Year, Amanda Amaeshi, has shown passion and commitment in standing up and being heard on important social issues. I’m sure Amanda’s campaigning efforts and talent for writing will continue to be recognised in the years ahead.”

While Covid restrictions prevented SWOTY from going ahead in its usual format, the online event was still a fabulous affair, with glamorous host Cathy Macdonald summing it up perfectly as a ‘little bit different, but still a night of celebration, inspiration and joy.’

Cathy Macdonald, event host.

There were fantastic performances from singers Melanie Masson and Marina Rolink, beautiful poetry from Scots language social media sensation Miss Punny Pennie, and moving messages from a host of famous Scottish women including singer Michelle McManus, TV presenter Jennifer Reoch, Judy Murray and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Len Pennie, aka Miss Punny Pennie

Marina Rolink, Pic: Warner Media

Melanie Masson

The First Minister praised the ‘hard work, dedication and selflessness’ of all of the finalists and paid a special tribute to the Young SWOTY contenders who, she said, had already shown “so much courage, resilience and talent and who all of us can look to as role models for the future.”

Ms Sturgeon said the women were all ‘shining examples of the very best in our society’ and added: “It has been heartening to see so many women go above and beyond for their family, friends, neighbours and wider communities. These women are an inspiration and while their achievements are all very different, they share one thing in common - the desire to do more than sit on the sidelines.”

READ MORE: SWOTY 2020: Looking back at landmark event as we prepare to announce winner

In a special video message to her mum, Jill’s daughter, the actor Joanna Vanderham, said: “The definition of inspiration is making someone feel full of hope.

“Before the pandemic, my mum, a professor of vascular medicine, had published 550 peer-reviewed papers and this research alone has saved countless lives.”

She added: “When she realised those working on the frontline were not going to receive the correct PPE, she set up Masks for Scotland which raised £439,197 and delivered one million pieces of equipment. She has received so many letters of thanks from doctors, nurses and care home workers, telling her that her efforts saved lives.

“If that isn’t the definition of inspiring, I don’t know what is.”