Final three contenders for Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year unveiled

These women will join yesterday's inspirational trio at a glittering gala dinner on February 12.

The winner will be announced, in front of around 300 women of all ages and backgrounds, in the spectacular surroundings of Glasgow City Chambers, supported by event partner St Enoch Centre.

Last year's winner, Ann Moulds, will officially hand over her title on the night and she is looking forward to congratulating the new champion.

"Winning Evening Times Scotswoman of the year was one of the proudest moments of my life and I have carried this title with a deep sense of pride and achievement," said Ann, who successfully campaigned for the introduction of tough stalking laws in Scotland, the UK and Europe, following her own terrifying ordeal.

She added: "There are lots of amazing people who try hard to make a difference in our society and it is important they are recognised.

"I look forward to congratulating our next Scotswoman of the Year in February."

NICOLA STURGEON

It has been a remarkable year for Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's first female First Minister.

Since the referendum, she has seized the political initiative, pushing for devo-max and rising to lead the Scottish Government and a party energised by the independence campaign.

In the extraordinary aftermath of the referendum campaign, the SNP has enjoyed a membership boost of more than 60,000, and huge audiences have crowded into large venues to hear Nicola speak.

Nicola joined the SNP at the age of 16 and has been campaigning for Scottish independence ever since. Before she became an MSP, Nicola worked as a solicitor at Drumchapel Law Centre.

She was elected in 1999 representing Glasgow as an MSP and re-elected in 2003. In 2007 Nicola won the Glasgow Govan constituency from Labour.

Following a review of Scottish Parliament constituency boundaries in 2010 the Govan constituency was abolished. Nicola stood as the SNP candidate for Glasgow Southside, which took in most of her former Govan constituency. She was elected with 54 per cent of the vote.

Her admirers say she is honest, hard-working and cares deeply about the people she represents. She is a fantastic role model for women, particularly those aspiring to join the political arena.

CARA HENDERSON

When a 16-year-old boy was murdered on the street in Glasgow, simply for wearing the colours of the team he supported, it was not the police, nor the politicians who were first to stand up and speak out.

It was a teenage girl called Cara Henderson.

Cara struggled to make sense of her friend Mark Scott's death. Realising that religious and social hatred and prejudice were deeply ingrained in Scottish society, she took a stand.

She launched Nil by Mouth, which remains Scotland's only charity dedicated to challenging sectarianism.

For 20 years, she has helped to change attitudes, refusing to accept prejudice as part of normal life.

She is the driving force behind the charity's initiatives, such as an anti-sectarian accreditation scheme for schools, a workplace scheme along similar lines and a youth initiative.

Cara has campaigned tirelessly against sectarianism despite being subjected to vicious taunts for her stance. Despite everything, she has always refused to give up, or give in and she remains an inspiration to countless people across Scotland and the UK.

PHYLLIS CRAIG

Faced with a situation which looks hopeless, Phyllis Craig gives hope.

The chairperson of Clydeside Action on Asbestos has been fighting for the rights of people affected by asbestos poisoning for more than two decades.

Fearless, compassionate, dedicated - those who work with and have been supported by Phyllis and the group know she is committed to the cause, helping families in what is often their darkest hour.

Phyllis has been instrumental in persuading the UK Government to set up a compensation scheme for victims and their families and is currently working with MSPs to introduce a Bill allowing the NHS to reclaim the costs of treating people with 'industrial diseases'.

She has won the admiration and support of all political parties - but it is the people she is fighting for who want to pay tribute to her the most.

She helps victims of asbestos poisoning to cut through red tape to apply for benefits, arrange social events and home visits, get emotional support and organise compensation claims.

She is their first point of contact when, frightened and often very poorly, they have nowhere else to turn.

The number of cases of asbestos poisoning is expected to reach a peak by 2025, meaning the work Phyllis does is all the more important.

Like so many of our SWOTY nominees and winners, Phyllis never seeks the limelight, preferring instead to work hard in the background.

But because of her, companies have been forced to face up to their responsibilities, politicians have been forced to sit up and take notice, and the lives of ordinary men and women affected by a devastating condition have been changed for the better.