IT is a chance for women to get the last word and put the opposite sex in their place.

And this week a world's first will take place at a star-studded Glasgow Burn's night, with a transgender 'Reply to the Toast to the Lassies'.

Playwright Jo Clifford, who began living as a woman more than 10 years ago, will deliver the performance in response to Taggart actor Colin McCredie's Toast to the Lassies.

Ms Clifford, 65, called the reading"a great honour".and added that it was an "important step".

The tribute to poet Robert Burns is being held as part of a fundraiser for First Minister and Glasgow South Side MSP Nicola Sturgeon's re-election campaign.

Ms Sturgeon will be attending the event and addressing the audience. It will also be streamed live online.

It has been organised by actor Iain Robertson and also features Scotland's Makar Liz Lochhead, who will perform the Immortal Memory.

Ms Clifford said: "Iain asked me last year if I'd like to do the Reply of the Lassies which is normally done by a woman and I do believe I'd be the first trans woman who's been asked to do it in a formal way.

"So it's a very great honour.

"It's an important step I think because as you'll be aware we often have a lot of difficulty being accepted.

"There are feminists who would assert that we're not women which is kind of like saying we're not human and that is incredibly hurtful. So personally it's a great honour but it's also an important and symbolic thing as well.

"Particularly because it's all happening in the presence of Nicola Sturgeon.

"The Scottish Government is committed to equality for everybody."

Among the entertainers are Simple Minds' keyboardist Mick MacNeil, who will play a one-man ceilidh and actor Dave Anderson will address the haggis.

Small Faces star Mr Robertson will perform Tam O' Shanter.

Grandmother-of-one Ms Clifford, who also describes herself as a proud father to two daughters, said: "I'm looking forward to it very much, I'm very nervous. I think it will be an amazing night with fantastic company."

The event takes place at the GoGlasgow Urban Hotel in Paisley Road West from 6.30pm on Friday.

Mr Robertson praised Ms Clifford and said she was a "wonderful writer".

He added: "I think trans is one of the last taboos so I'd like to think this is a step in the right direction.

"Jo will be wonderful because she's such a delightful character."

Tickets cost £45 or £35 for the unwaged. Email serenahay@me.com for more information.