A panel of the most influential women in the Scottish transport industry came together this month (Thursday 5th June) at a special event celebrating inspirational female leadership.
Hosted at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, by Women in Rail Scotland, in partnership with Women in Transport, the event was opened with a rousing keynote speech from the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop. Speaking to a packed room, she spoke passionately about the importance in increasing the diversity within Scottish transport and how the communities served must be represented by the industry.
Following the keynote, a lively panel discussion was kicked off by Women in Rail steering group member, and vice president of COWI UK, Eva Macinnes. Audience members heard from Diane Burke, COO of Calmac Ferries, Joanne Maguire, MD of ScotRail, Valerie Davidson, CEO of SPT, Stephanie Tobyn, a Director with the Office of Road and Rail, Alison Irvine, CEO of Transport Scotland and Hannah Ross, Chief Executive of Scottish Rail Holdings, as they spoke candidly about their experiences within their industries and the barriers they faced and overcame.
Evident throughout, from all the panellists, was their love for transport and their desire to continue making changes that positively impact communities and the people within them.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said:
“I was delighted to join inspirational women across Scotland’s transport sector to mark the 200th anniversary of the modern railway and the 20th anniversary of Women in Transport and devolution of rail in Scotland. It is essential that women in transport have a platform to share stories of their achievements and navigating challenges, and the evening was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our own personal successes and those of all women working in transport today.
“Organisations like Women in Rail and Women in Transport are essential for encouraging more women to pursue a career in the transport sector and I want Scotland’s transport network to be one that women and girls feel inspired to work in and confident to travel on.”
Lorna Gibson, Chair of Women in Rail Scotland commented:
“What an honour to welcome these incredible and influential women to the stage as part of this historic event. Having the opportunity to listen to them speak from the heart about their experiences, both good and bad, through their careers was genuinely inspiring.
“Being able to bring these women around the table is a huge coup for Women in Rail, and Women in Transport, not only because we’re able to bring to life some of the achievements of these incredible leaders, but to also demonstrate that women are not only capable of working at the highest levels of transport within Scotland, but they are actually doing it.”
Mailys Garden, Scotland Regional Lead for Women in Transport added
“This incredibly successful event shows the power of professional networks in furthering diverse leadership across the transport industry in Scotland. The passion, sense of purpose and authenticity from the panel and keynote speakers were evident throughout and I cannot think of a better way to host the regional celebrations of the Women in Transport 20 years anniversary.”
