FROM unpaid volunteer to director of lifelong learning; from feisty fundraiser to inspirational role model, Adele Patrick has given thousands of Scottish women a voice.

Last night, as she was awarded the title of Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year 2015, she almost lost hers.

“I can barely find the words to say just how gobsmacked I am to win,” she said. “Just to be nominated in this incredible group of women was fantastic. I am speechless.”

Glasgow Times:

The formidable founder of Glasgow Women’s Library has steered the organisation through political turmoil and financial woes, never losing heart, never giving up the fight.

As well as amassing a collection of national significance – Glasgow Women’s Library is the only museum dedicated to women’s history in the UK – Adele’s vision has driven a pioneering programme of events and activities designed to make sure women from all backgrounds get the chance to make a difference.

SWOTY judge Anne Ledgerwood, general manager of event partner St Enoch Centre, said: “Adele has spent all of her adult life establishing and growing the library, which is now an internationally renowned museum – and the only collection dedicated to women’s history in the UK.

"Not content with making her own positive contribution to society she now works as the library’s lifelong learning manager to ensure that women have access to the information and support they need to be active citizens themselves."

Evening Times executive editor Rob Bruce said: "It is 25 years since Adele and a handful of fellow volunteers started out on journey that was to end with the creation of what First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was to call 'a national treasure'.

"Thanks to Adele, Glasgow Women’s Library is a place for all women - not a stuffy, elitist place but rather a community hub which welcomes women of all ages, cultures and backgrounds, and helps them get back in control of their lives.

"Today, Glasgow Women’s Library is a multi-award-winning and internationally respected institution, thanks to that original vision … and thanks to the determination and perseverance of Adele Patrick."

As always, the SWOTY gala dinner was an emotional and uplifting affair.

Margo Whiteford, herself a SWOTY winner, held the banqueting hall spellbound with her keynote address, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the charity her parents set up - Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (formerly the Scottish Spina Bifida Association).

The evening, also supported by corporate partner Taylor Wimpey, closed with a fantastic performance from Glasgow singer Sarah Cassidy.

But it was Adele's moving acceptance speech which stayed in the hearts and minds of the women leaving the City Chambers at the end of the event.

"Remarkable women is something we in Scotland have an abundance of," she said.

"It is the national characteristic that we do not shout about our achievements, and for too long, Scottish women have been undersold or overlooked, or erased from history."

She said: "Glasgow Women's Library will, hand in hand with the Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year, continue to put them in the spotlight."