Two Perthshire women have been inducted into the Outstanding Women of Scotland community which also boasts amongst in members Nicola Sturgeon and Annie Lennox.
Jill Belch and Jackie Brierton MBE were among ten new inductees that were unveiled at the Saltire Scotland ceremony on Saturday that headlined the Woman of the World (WOW) celebration held in Perth.
Set up in 2015, Saltire Scotland’s Outstanding Women of Scotland recognises and celebrates Scottish women from all walks of life and the inspiration their achievements set for the next generation.
Jill Belch, from Scone, is a professor of vascular medicine at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School Dundee.
Jill said: “This award is a tremendous honour. And I want to accept it on behalf of all the other ‘Outstanding women’ I have worked with, who have helped me get to where I am today.
“I am very lucky to have received their help and support and thank them, and the Saltire Society for this amazing award.”
Jackie Brierton MBE, from Ardler, is the CEO of Coupar Angus enterprise company GrowBiz.
Jackie said: “It feels like a great honour. I think it’s great because I’m involved with funding enterprise and this is great for promoting women in enterprise.
“I hope I can use this to create a real mantel for women going into enterprise.”
Alexandra Lort-Phillips, WOW programmer, congratulated all ten inductees that were bestowed with the honour in the Fair City this weekend.
She said: “It was our privilege to host the 2019 Outstanding Women of Scotland induction as the conclusion to this year’s WOW event at Perth Theatre, and on behalf of Horsecross Arts, I’d like to thank the Saltire Society for allowing us to be part of this esteemed ceremony.
“WOW’s entire ethos is to celebrate women and girls, and to draw attention to the inspirational and courageous women who are working to make things happen across the world.
“It is wholly fitting therefore, that the only Scottish event should welcome in, and loudly applaud, these fantastic women and the hope that they stand for.”
Sarah Mason, director of Saltire Scotland, was excited to celebrate and continue building the Outstanding Women of Scotland community.
She said: “Without these women, Scotland would be a darker place and we are privileged to be able to take this moment to celebrate and thank them.”
