SW/S AWARDS 2025 | Category Finalists

The most glamorous night of the Scottish sporting calendar is coming around again as we celebrate the 12th Scottish Women in Sport Awards at The Radisson Blu Hotel, Argyle St, Glasgow on Friday 21st November.

We look to recognise and celebrate, not only the success of our elite athletes and para-athletes, but those working as volunteers, clubs in the community, pioneers, and so many other roles that impact on women in sport.

Please follow our social channels on the night to hear first hand who our winners are.

Cameron Commercials Pioneer in Sport

Margaret Tait | Sailing

For over 40 years, Margaret Tait has been a driving force in Scottish sailing. A pioneering sailor, dedicated volunteer, and respected race official, she has devoted her time and passion to Port Edgar Yacht Club and the wider community. One of the first women to crew when female participation was rare, she has championed inclusivity and inspired generations—especially women and girls—to take part. In 2024, she received the RYA Scotland Impact Award for her outstanding contribution. Her legacy continues through her granddaughter Abby, now an instructor, reflecting Margaret’s enduring influence, leadership, and commitment to equality in the sport.

Marjory Love | Tennis

At 75, Marjory Love achieved what few athletes ever do—becoming world number one. In 2023, she topped the global Masters 75+ tennis rankings and won the 2024 Scottish Senior Open, cementing her dominance. With over 50 years devoted to tennis, Marjory is celebrated not only for her competitive success but for her enduring passion and commitment to the sport. She inspires others by proving that age is no barrier to excellence. Her philosophy—keep doing what you love as long as you can—embodies resilience, joy, and lifelong participation, making her a true role model for athletes of all ages.

Sarah Gourlay | Bowls

The word “legend” truly fits Sarah Gourlay, one of Scotland’s most successful female bowlers. Her major titles include the 1985 World Fours, 1992 World Indoor Singles, and 1994 Commonwealth Games Pairs—Scotland’s first women’s gold in lawn bowls. Despite global success, Sarah remained humble, proudly representing Annbank and Prestwick clubs. Bowling shaped her family too: her husband David Gourlay Snr was also a Commonwealth gold medallist, and their son David Jnr MBE became a world champion. She gave up her own career to become bowls Team Manager at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, showing determination for others as well. Representing Scotland for 18 years, Sarah inspired generations. Sarah gave up career to become bowls Team Manager at the Melbourne comm games. Now 87, she remains a cherished role model and true icon of Scottish sport.

Active Scotland Volunteer of the Year

Andrea is a driving force behind developing and supporting cycling officials in Scotland. A British Cycling tutor, she mentors trainees, fosters a supportive community, and ensures newcomers feel welcomed. In 2025, she played a key role in introducing Enduro to Scottish Cycling, leading training sessions and uniting organisers, volunteers, and officials for a smooth transition. Chosen as the face of British Cycling’s national campaign to grow officiating, she hosted webinars and shadowing opportunities that inspired many to join. Alongside officiating, Andrea serves on the Scottish Cycling Commissaire Commission and British Cycling Mountain Bike Working Group, shaping the sport’s future.

UWS Community Champion of the Year

Elevate Acro | Gymnastics

Founded in January 2025 after a local club’s closure, Elevate Acro quickly became a thriving new gymnastics community in West Lothian. Run entirely by volunteers at launch, the club delivered over 13,000 session places within six months, supporting children from toddlers to teens, including those with additional needs. Elevate now has 10 freelance coaches, 4 trustees, and a growing team of parents. Highlights include a 300-person open day, summer and school programmes, a Young Leader Coach Academy, and local and national competition success. With over £33,000 raised through grants and fundraising, Elevate Acro is empowering young people through sport.

Glasgow City Foundation | Football

The Glasgow City Foundation is dedicated to making football accessible for every girl in Glasgow and beyond. In 2024/25, the Junior Academy doubled to 66 players, with weekly training for 138 girls and 204 free coaching hours across 12 schools, reaching 240 more. Over 120 girls attended free holiday camps, five received full bursaries, and 1,000 free match tickets were distributed to schools and community groups. The Foundation also funds mental health and leadership sessions for women’s clubs nationwide. By removing barriers and inspiring participation, it empowers girls to play, lead, and believe there’s a place for them in football.

Beverley Addison | Rugby

Since becoming Women and Girls Vice-President in 2023, Beverley has transformed female rugby at Greenock Wanderers. A former captain and full-time lawyer, she doubled participation from 30 to 68 players in six months. Her free Women’s Bootcamp attracted over 60 newcomers, leading to the creation of a second women’s team and a social touch rugby group. Beverley also boosted youth participation across U12–U18 levels and fostered a strong, inclusive culture. Her leadership extends beyond the club—she’s presented at Murrayfield and advises others on growing the women’s game. Thanks to her dedication, Greenock’s women and girls section now exceeds 165 members.

SW/S Inspiration

Graham Whyte | Highland Games

In 2025, Graham Whyte transformed the Highland Games by making women the main event. As Athletic Director of the first-ever World Female Heavy Events Championship, he refused to sideline women, declaring, “The women are the Games.” Despite opposition, he and his team pushed ahead—driven by belief and purpose. The result: over 4,000 spectators, global media coverage, and a powerful celebration of female strength and tradition. Athletes entered hand in hand with local children, symbolising legacy and change. Graham’s vision ensured women were not just included but celebrated as the future of the Games, redefining equality in this historic sport.

Freda Hutchison | Netball

Freda embodies leadership, service, and lifelong dedication to women in sport. A driving force in Scottish netball, she served as Chair of Netball Scotland from 2011 to 2017, guiding the organisation through major growth and modernisation. Now an ambassador for Netball Scotland, she represents the sport nationally and internationally, championing inclusion, wellbeing, and safeguarding through initiatives like the Wellbeing and Protection Panel. With a 36-year career in education, including roles as Head Teacher and Equal Opportunities Officer, Freda has shaped countless lives. Awarded an MBE in 2018, her legacy of empowerment and leadership continues to inspire future generations.

Loretta Doyle | Judo

Loretta Doyle made history as the first British woman to earn a 9th Dan in judo, joining the ranks of the sport’s global elite. A former World and European Champion, she won over 50 international medals and was among the first women to compete at the World Judo Championships. Since retiring, Loretta has become a respected commentator for the EJU and IJF, held senior roles at major international Games, and was named Technical Delegate for Glasgow 2026. Inducted into the JudoScotland Hall of Fame in 2021, she continues to inspire through coaching, mentorship, and the Loretta Doyle Judo Foundation.

Ishga Contribution to Parasport

Janelle McGurk | Para Athletics

Janelle McGurk exemplifies the transformative power of sport. A passionate coach, mentor, and advocate for inclusion, she has spent the past decade making sport accessible for young people facing disability, financial, or mental health challenges. Her multi-sport programme for those with additional support needs has grown from a small pilot to a thriving community, building confidence and connection for hundreds. Beyond coaching, Janelle speaks at conferences, mentors emerging leaders, and shapes inclusive sport policy. Her compassion, leadership, and vision have inspired countless lives, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and belonging in her community and beyond.

Laura Pilkington | Multi Sport

Laura Pilkington is a leading voice for inclusion and excellence in para sport. A decorated para swimmer, Scottish Disability Sport board member, UK Disability Inclusion Training Tutor, and Youth Sport Trust mentor, she uses her platform to champion accessibility and empowerment. Since discovering swimming at 13, Laura has combined athletic success with advocacy—helping others access sport and mobility opportunities through SDS and the Motability Scheme. Her work on the Be Active Be Well programme fostered connection and wellbeing during lockdowns. A true role model, Laura inspires young athletes to overcome barriers, proving that sport can transform lives and communities.

Mary Wilson | Bowls

Mary Wilson is a Scottish Para International bowler, veteran, coach, classifier, and ambassador whose life embodies resilience and inclusion. Living with MS and a cancer recovery journey, she continues to inspire through her passion for sport. As an ambassador for Bowls Scotland and Erskine Veterans Charity, she promotes the physical, mental, and social benefits of bowls, especially for veterans. A Level 2 coach at Dudley Bowling Club and one of only three national technical classifiers, she breaks down barriers for para athletes. A key member of Scotland’s Para team, Mary helped secure an undefeated Home Nations title and multiple national honours.

Joan O’Sullivan | Para Swimming 

Joan O’Sullivan founded the Jets Swim Team (now Jets ASN Swim Academy) in Kilmarnock in 1987 and has spent 38 years transforming opportunities for swimmers with disabilities. As Head Coach, Secretary, and Health & Safety Officer, she leads training, development, and mentoring for volunteers and coaches, many of whom are former swimmers. Joan accompanies athletes to local and national competitions and has rebuilt the club after Covid closures, ensuring its growth continues. She also organises Ayrshire Sportsability’s annual gala, supports Parasport festivals, and now chairs Disability Sport Glasgow and East Ayrshire Sports Council—dedicating her life to inclusive sport in Scotland.

Think ALT Most Valuable Partnership

Glasgow City FC | Foudy’s

In 2025, Glasgow City FC—Scotland’s most successful women’s club—and Foudys, the UK’s only women’s football retailer, united to launch a groundbreaking kit campaign. Their vision: to rewrite the playbook for women’s football. The “Secret Launch” released a shirt with no badge or name, selling 130 worldwide in ten days, proving fans support women’s sport for its values. The shirt, featuring “Well-behaved women seldom make history,” was unveiled at the Glasgow Women’s Library and later in London alongside women-led businesses. The campaign earned global praise, showing how creative, women-led collaboration can drive visibility, pride, and cultural change in sport.

Jonny Murray | Athlete Focused | St George’s School

Athlete Focused Edinburgh, led by Director and S&C Coach Jonny, has built a transformative partnership with St George’s School since 2023. What began with a small group of girls learning gym fundamentals has grown into a full programme supporting hockey, netball, and lacrosse athletes, alongside health and wellbeing sessions for non-sport participants. The initiative includes expert education in nutrition, psychology, and female athlete health, creating a holistic environment for performance and confidence. A girls-only summer sports camp further deepened engagement. The result is a thriving culture where young women feel empowered, informed, and inspired to stay active for life.

Scottish Golf | Sean Connery Foundation

Scottish Golf’s Women’s Professional Transition Programme, launched as part of its new Women and Girls Strategy and in partnership with the Sean Connery Foundation, is driving lasting change for women in golf. The programme delivers three key initiatives: direct support for elite female amateurs like Hannah Darling and Lorna McClymont as they turn professional; a three-year fund helping clubs grow and retain female members; and funding to retain women working within the sport. By tackling financial and structural barriers, the programme empowers female golfers to focus on performance and career longevity. More than a funding scheme, it’s a bold, people-first model setting new standards for gender equity and partnership in sport.

University of Strathclyde Coach of the Year

Grant Scott | Football

Grant Scott’s 2024/25 season with Hibernian Women was historic, guiding the team to its first Scottish Women’s Premier League title in 18 years. Achieving a 16-game unbeaten run and reaching their first domestic cup final since 2022, Scott balanced youth and experience while overcoming financial challenges. Awarded PFA Scotland SWPL Manager of the Year, he transformed Hibernian’s culture and playing style, building on prior successes at Hearts, St Johnstone, Glasgow City, and Durham. Across two spells, he has secured 1 SWPL title, 2 SWPL Cups, 1 Scottish Cup, and a UEFA Champions League Round of 32 appearance, leaving a lasting legacy on Scottish women’s football.

Rachel Cremin | Netball

Rachel has transformed University of Strathclyde Netball over the past seven years as Director of Netball. Drawing on experience with Netball Scotland and the Strathclyde Sirens, she has developed players from beginners to elite athletes, fostering a supportive and inclusive culture. Under her leadership, the club has achieved record competitive success, expanded membership, and created clear performance pathways, with players progressing to national squads and professional franchises. Rachel’s strategic vision, mentorship, and advocacy have elevated the club’s reputation and inspired personal growth in every athlete. Her dedication and leadership make her a truly deserving nominee.

Sheila Swan | Wheelchair Curling

This year, Sheila coached Hugh Nibloe and Charlotte McKenna to silver in mixed doubles at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships and is leading the largest-ever GB Paralympic squad toward the Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics. A former world champion, she provides focused 1:1 development for a small cohort of 16 athletes. Sheila created the first Paralympic Pathway for emerging wheelchair curlers, aligned Paralympic and Olympic programmes for equity, and launched Try Curling events to increase participation among women and girls. She also pioneered wheelchair curling provision in England, establishing opportunities where none previously existed.

Team Scotland Team of the Year

Caledonia Gladiators | Basketball

The Caledonia Gladiators women’s basketball team made history by winning the 2025 Super League Trophy, the first national silverware for a Scottish women’s basketball club. Achieving this in just their third year, the Gladiators have set a new standard for professionalism, culture, and community impact. Head Coach Chantelle Handy, Great Britain’s most capped player, led the team with international experience and vision, fostering resilience, unity, and performance excellence. Alongside on-court success, the club prioritises grassroots engagement, fan inclusion, and athlete development. Their triumph demonstrates that Scottish women’s teams can compete and succeed at the highest level.

Hibernian FC | Football

Hibernian Women’s Football Club dominated the 2024–25 season, winning the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League and securing European competition. Under a cohesive coaching team, they achieved 14 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses in 19 league matches, scoring 66 goals, conceding 14, and keeping 10 clean sheets. Their success reflects a strong development pathway, tactical growth, and a balanced squad blending youth and experience. Beyond silverware, the campaign highlights the club’s consistency, resilience, and ambition, setting a strong foundation for continued success at the highest level of Scottish women’s football.

Team Lockhart | Curling

Team Lockhart exemplified excellence and resilience by winning gold at the 2025 World Senior Curling Championships in Canada. Overcoming years of near misses—including pandemic cancellations, bronze in 2022, and silver in 2023—they triumphed despite a teammate suffering a serious brain aneurism just before the event, with their coach stepping in as alternate. Collectively, the team brings 77 international appearances across European and World Championships and the Winter Olympics. Beyond their on-ice success, they mentor and inspire the next generation, demonstrating perseverance, friendship, and lifelong dedication to curling, making them deserving of the Team Scotland Team of the Year award.

sportscotland Young Sportswoman of the Year 

Erin Boothman | Cycling

Erin Boothman has delivered an extraordinary 2025 season, establishing herself as one of Scotland’s brightest cycling talents at just 18. On the track, she won gold in Team Pursuit and Madison at the Junior World Championships—breaking the Team Pursuit world record—and claimed three titles at the Junior European Championships. Transitioning to senior competition, she podiumed in the Scratch Race at the British Championships. On the road, Erin triumphed at two UCI Junior World Tour races, Gent-Wevelgem and Clasica de Jan Nation’s Cup Women. Her versatility, dedication, and international success make her an inspiring role model and a deserving nominee for Sportswoman of the Year.

Lois Goldie | Judo

At just 14, Lois has emerged as one of Scotland’s most promising young athletes, excelling in both judo and Scottish Backhold Wrestling. In 2024/25, she became a three-time Scottish Judo Champion, British Champion, Commonwealth Gold medallist, and won international medals in Luxembourg and Lithuania. In wrestling, she claimed Scottish Junior and Senior Female Open titles, demonstrating versatility and determination against older opponents. Beyond competition, Lois mentors younger athletes, fostering confidence and a supportive club environment. Overcoming challenges including a serious burn injury, she has shown resilience, dedication, and leadership, representing Scotland with distinction and inspiring the next generation.

Nayma Mughis Sheikh | Cricket

Nayma Mughis Sheikh is a rising star in Scottish cricket, excelling as a top-order batter and reliable bowler. At just 16, she represented Scotland in two ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cups, taking key wickets—including India’s Shafali Verma—and becoming the most economical bowler in 2023. Nayma has played in every ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier for Scotland, scoring match-winning innings of 140* and 78, forming record partnerships. Domestically, she was U17 Tri-Nation Best Player and three-time Best Batter in the Western Warriors Regional Programme. A captain and community role model, Nayma inspires young athletes through performance, leadership, and breaking barriers.

Scottish Women in Sport Sportswoman of the Year

Annie Nelson | Powerlifting 

Annie Nelson has been a trailblazer in Scottish Powerlifting over the past four years. Since winning her first British title in 2021, she has broken multiple Scottish and British records and became the first Scottish female selected for Team GB at the World Classic Powerlifting Championships. In 2024/25, she won her third British title, set a 550kg total British record at the World Championships, helped Team Scotland sweep the Home Nations, and placed 5th at The World Games in Chengdu. A coach and grassroots volunteer, Annie is a role model inspiring the next generation in strength sports.

Julie Forrest | Lawn Bowls

Julie is a true legend and role model in lawn bowls. A seven-time World Champion, she recently won her third Ladies World Matchplay title in January 2025 and claimed the World Mixed Pairs Championship for the second time in 2024. She reached her highest world ranking of number 2 in March 2025 and captained the Scottish Women’s Indoor team, earning her 81st cap and leading them to silver. As U18 and U25 pathway lead for Bowls Scotland, she mentors future stars. Julie has also won nine Scottish Women’s Indoor Singles titles, five British Isles Championships, and promotes bowls in local schools.

Laura McKenzie | Rowing

Laura McKenzie is a leading figure in Beach Sprints, winning World Silver (2023, CMix2x) and European Silver (2024, CMix2x), and finishing strongly at the 2024 World Championships. In 2024/25, she earned a place on the GB Rowing World Class Programme after excelling in testing against Olympic medallists. Domestically, she won every Women’s solo event (CW1x) she entered, including British, Scottish, and GB Trials, and internationally claimed Bronze and Silver at the Cyprus International Regatta and Gold in CW1x at the Filippi Lido Trophy, Italy. Selected for the GB Team at the 2025 European and World Beach Sprint Championships, she balances elite performance with PhD studies in Scotland, inspiring athletes nationwide.