Search begins for Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year - here's how to nominate your hero of last 12 months

Today we launch our search for the woman you believe has made an outstanding contribution to Scottish society over the past 12 months, in any field, from any part of the country.

It has been another difficult and heartbreaking year for many, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect all our lives.

Who has impressed, inspired or entertained you?

It could be someone in the public eye, or your next-door-neighbour. It could be a family member, someone making a difference in your community, an inspirational key worker or a celebrity using her platform for good.

We are also looking for nominations for Young SWOTY, our annual award which recognises the achievements of girls and young women aged between 12 and 21.

We want to hear about outstanding individuals who have already made a fantastic contribution to Scottish society, helping others, perhaps even overcoming personal challenges along the way.

You can nominate on our website here - or by emailing kirsty.loughlin@newsquest.co.uk.

You can also fill in the cut-out form in today's newspaper and post it to Kirsty Loughlin, Head of Events, Glasgow Times, 125 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow G32 8FG to arrive no later than the closing date of February 25 at 12 noon.

A judging panel will draw up shortlists for both awards. The winner of Young SWOTY will be decided by public vote, and both will be announced in March.

Glasgow Times Editor Callum Baird said: “It is exciting to be launching our search for our 59th Scotswoman of the Year.

“For the second year in a row, our winner will be revealed digitally - the challenges of the pandemic and continued uncertainty means we will not be holding our gala dinner, which is a great disappointment to everyone connected to the event.

“However, it is vital that our celebration of female achievement – the longest-running event of its kind in the UK – does go ahead and we are determined to ensure the winners of both awards are rightly and warmly celebrated.”

He added: “Everyone at the Glasgow Times is looking forward to hearing your nominations for SWOTY and Young SWOTY.”

Last year’s winner of the main award was Professor Jill Belch, the inspirational driving force behind a lifesaving campaign to get PPE to health workers during the pandemic.

READ MORE: Scotswoman of the Year winners revealed as landmark event marks digital first

Jill, who is a Professor in Vascular Medicine at Dundee University responsible for groundbreaking and lifesaving research, set up Masks for Scotland in March 2020, raising almost £440,000 and delivering one million pieces of PPE around the country to workers on the frontline of the fight against Covid-19.

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

One of only 18 Girlguiding Youth Advocates across the UK, the teenager – who is an awardwinning writer - inspired her peers and many across the country by speaking up on issues that matter to young women, including gender bias, racism and injustice.

HOW TO NOMINATE

You can nominate your woman of the year on the website - here - where you will also find video and photos from last year’s fantastic digital ceremony, and our terms and conditions.

You can also email Head of Events Kirsty Loughlin on kirsty.loughlin@newsquest.co.uk. Alternatively, cut out and send the entry form from today's newspaper, to Kirsty Loughlin, Head of Events, Glasgow Times, 125 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow G32 8FG.

It is free to enter.

Scotswoman of the Year is open to all women who live in Scotland.

Nominees for Young Scotswoman of the Year must be aged between 12 and 21.

The closing date for entries is February 25, at 12 noon.