BBC anchorwoman Kirsty Wark visited the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow ahead of a transatlantic trip to collect a prestigious charitable award.

The BBC anchorwoman will make history on Friday when she become the first woman to deliver the keynote speech at the Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York in its 260-year history.

The society has strong charitable links with the Royal Hospital for Children and formerly Yorkhill.

Kirsty will be presented with The Mark Twain Award, affectionately named ‘The Sammy’ after the author’s real name, Samuel Clemens.

While in New York, Kirsty will visit the New York Presbyterian Children’s Hospital which also has strong links with the Society.

The ‘Sammy’ is presented to individuals who have made a significant and positive impact on the Scots community around the globe.

The award also recognises those who have succeeded in their field and have carved out paths to success.

Kirsty Wark said: “I am honoured and thrilled to be the first woman to address the Saint Andrews Society of New York Annual Banquet, and to receive the Mark Twain Award.

“My great grandparents emigrated to NYC and my grandmother was born in Brooklyn in 1890 before the family returned to Glasgow a decade later, and my son who graduated from Tisch School of the Arts and NYU History department and my daughter who graduated with her Masters from Columbia, both love the city.”

James Heggie III, 101st President of the Society, said: “Our Society could not be more pleased to honour Kirsty Wark as the first woman ever to address our annual gathering.

“We are delighted to present her with this inaugural award. Samuel Clemens, who we know as Mark Twain, spoke at our 1901 banquet, at the invitation of our 45th President, Andrew Carnegie.”