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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."

Originally posted here:
SWOTY nominees take tea for charity