1. It’s a celebration of women

Taking place just a week after International Women’s Day, Scotswoman of the Year is another chance to celebrate hardworking and inspirational women from across the country. Whether they’re making change to local Glasgow communities, or travelling thousands of miles to help others, there’s no limit to what women can achieve and we want to celebrate it ALL.

2. It’s all thanks to you

We give the public the opportunity to decide who should be recognised and we are never short of nominations to choose from. Trying to whittle down the shortlist is an incredibly difficult task but is always a reminder of how many amazing women we have here in Scotland.

Read more: Scotswoman of the Year: Meet the finalists

3. It’s run by the Evening Times

Working with Glasgow’s communities gives us a feel for what great work is being undertaken day in, day out. As well as reporting on that work in the paper and online, we want to give those involved the chance to enjoy a night of celebration, good food and maybe a tipple or two.

4. It’s been going for over 55 years

And we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon!

5. Our winners and nominees come from all walks of life

From athletes, care workers, broadcasters to medical experts - we’ve got it covered.

6. Our winners and nominees go on to even greater things

A former Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year was awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours List.

Dr Margo Whiteford, who is chairwoman of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland, said she was delighted to receive the award (Commander of the British Empire) for services to charity and health. You never know what you could achieve by becoming the next SWOTY!

7. We work with the St Enoch Centre

The event is sponsored by the St. Enoch Centre who kindly give each of our guests a goodie bag full of treats from their retailers.

Read more of today's top Glasgow stories

8. We welcome women of all ages

Last year we welcomed the youngest ever SWOTY winner into our hall of fame.

Grace Warnock, 12, won the Editor’s Award for her courageous campaign to raise awareness of ‘invisible disabilities’.

For the first time in the event’s 56-year history, in addition to the main award, we will also be crowning a Young Scotswoman of the Year.

In a bid to secure the legacy of our wonderful event, this exciting new accolade is open to girls and young women aged between 12 and 21.

We can't wait to see who picks up the prize this year.

9. No men allowed

We love men as much as the next person, but for one night of the year, we just want it to be just us girls.

There's nothing like a room of women celebrating each other - and this year's ceremony is going to be no different.