LIFE as Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year can often take a surprising turn…

Environmental activist Maureen Potter, who won the prestigious title in 2021, was invited to be guest of honour at an alpaca farm in France, where she is holidaying with her family.

Glasgow Times:

The farm, run by English couple Will and Sophie Hargreaves, posted touching pictures on social media of the moment Maureen met Jura the alpaca.

“The moment Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year, pioneering environmental activist Maureen Potter, met our appropriately named alpaca, Jura (named after the Scottish whisky),” they announced.

Maureen, 80, said: “It was the first time I had met these lovely animals and the lovely couple who run this venture. I really enjoyed my visit.

"My daughter has a holiday home close to the farm and she had mentioned to Will and Sophie about my being SWOTY, so they asked me along to see the ‘Scottish’ alpaca.”

READ MORE: East Kilbride activist who saved vital peatbog in running for Scotswoman of the Year

Maureen’s baby great-granddaughter Summer was also taken with the alpacas, at La Petite Ferme d’Alpagas.

Glasgow Times:

“And they were taken with her,” she smiled.

“We had a lovely time.”

Life has been busy for Maureen, from East Kilbride, since she was crowned SWOTY 2021.

She said: "It’s been interesting. I have been asked to give talks, for example, at Age Concern’s annual lunch recently, and Busby Church, and I have received so many gifts and cards. It is very humbling.”

READ MORE: Conservation volunteers fighting back after fire at Langlands Moss

Maureen has been the driving force behind campaigning group Friends of Langlands Moss for 16 years, helping to raise awareness of the importance of vital peat bogs, which store carbon and help to cool the atmosphere.

Her work has transformed Langlands Moss into a globally-important nature reserve at the forefront of the fight against climate change.