FINALISTS for the Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year 2014 got together for a tea party with a difference.

 

Parkinson's Disease champion Maria Righetti, Clydeside Action on Asbestos chairperson Phyllis Craig and mental health campaigner Laura Nolan, joined editor Tony Carlin and invited guests at the informal event, hosted by event sponsor St Enoch Centre.

The three women are contenders for the prestigious title, alongside First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, anti-sectarianism activist Cara Henderson and Paralympic sprinter Libby Clegg.

The winner will be announced at a glittering dinner in Glasgow City Chambers on Thursday.

At the St Enoch tea party, held in the shopping centre's exhibition unit dedicated to all the previous winners of the award, the women were entertained by singer and musician Hannah Jackson, drank tea from vintage china and enjoyed fizz and luxury chocolates.

It was also an opportunity to meet each other for the first time.

Maria Righetti, who has campaigned tirelessly to raise funds for and awareness of Parkinson's Disease after her husband was diagnosed with the condition in his 30s, said: "It's been lovely to break the ice ahead of Thursday's event and to read all about the previous winners of SWOTY - they are such incredible women."

Phyllis Craig, who campaigns for the rights of people affected by asbestos poisoning, agreed: "It's very humbling to even be considered alongside these women. It's such an honour to be nominated for SWOTY and we're all looking forward to Thursday's event."

After the loss of her son to suicide, Laura Nolan set up the Joshua Nolan Foundation to provide counselling for troubled young people and bereaved families. She added: "It's lovely to meet everyone and hear their stories and I'm really grateful for the opportunity to be involved in such a wonderful event."

Anne Ledgerwood, general manager of St Enoch Centre, said it was a privilege to be involved in SWOTY for the eighth year running.

"SWOTY is a celebration of Scottish women, and we are proud to be part of it," she said.

"All six finalists have got here through different circumstances but they are all doing a wonderful job."

SWOTY 2014 is also supported by Zero Waste Scotland's Love Your Clothes Initiative. Campaign manager Lynn Wilson said: "We are delighted to be part of this event, supporting women who have achieved so much for their own causes, and for Scotland."

Evening Times editor Tony Carlin thanked the finalists, their guests and the event supporters for coming along to the tea party.

He added: "The Evening Times has been hosting Scotswoman of the Year for more than 50 years and it is an incredible privilege to do so.

"Our winners are all ages, come from all walks of life, from all over the country, but all have one thing in common - they have achieved extraordinary things. All six finalists deserve to win and Thursday promises to be a fantastic event."