IT was an absolute pleasure to host the sixth Scottish Women in Sport Awards dinner – supported by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) for the second year – on Friday at the GoGlasgow Hotel.

There was a room full of inspirational women, each changing the landscape for women and girls on a day-to-day basis. The category sponsor judging panel met a few weeks previously and had really difficult choices, which shows the deep and breadth of the culture change in sport.

It also helped to have two amazing sporting icons in the shape of Judy Murray and Catriona Matthew in attendance to join Alison Walker on stage to talk all things women in sport.

We had 10 awards and although some attendees didn’t get on the podium, it was clear that their achievements have helped break down some of the barriers that we have faced for many years.

The SW/S Inspiration in Sport award was one of the highlights, with the three worthy winners all in attendance and looking very glamorous. How can you choose between Heather MacRae, who continued to deliver her golfing clinics the day after a devastating cancer diagnosis, Gillian Duffy, who has undergone a bone marrow transplant and a new blood system whilst keeping her work with the Scottish Schools FA on track, and the wonderful Cerys McCrindle a 17-year-old swimmer with down syndrome who has achieved so much in her sport while inspiring others.

In the end, the award went to Cerys, who was overwhelmed and delighted and gave a great acceptance speech.

The other winners on the night were: UWS Sportswomen – Hannah Rankin; sportscotland Young Sportswomen – Megan Keith; Carryway Team of the Year – Hockey Scotland WNT; Burness Paul Coach of the Year – Andrea Manson; Event Scotland Official of the Year Kylie Cockburn; Kubenet Community award – Paisley Barbell Club; MG Alba Role Model award – Leslie Roy; Frame Innovation in Sport – Jog Scotland; Specsavers Champion School – Holy Cross High.