The 12 women recognised for 'contribution to Scottish culture' to mark International Women's Day

Released to mark International Women's Day, which is today, the Hands up for Trad’s Women in Music and Culture List also includes Gaelic singer Kathleen MacInnes, opera singer Ellen Smith and Shetland fiddle player Laura Harrington.

Michelle Burke, an Irish singer, storyteller and music theatre maker who has made Scotland her home since 2004 and Naomi Hollas, an Edinburgh-based events professional, who works at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, as well as Glasgow-based singer, songwriter and choir leader Kim Edgar,are recognised.

Meanwhile, the list also includes Helen Needham, a senior producer at BBC Radio Scotland, who has a background in choral singing, having performed with the Edinburgh Festival Chorus in Mahler's Second Symphony under Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic and conductor, singing teacher and community music practitioner Kathleen Cronie and Gaelic singer Kathleen MacInnes.

Hands Up For Trad creative director, Simon Thoumire said: “We are incredibly proud to unveil the 2026 Women in Music and Culture List on International Women’s Day. This year’s theme, Give to Gain, resonates deeply with the women we celebrate - individuals who enrich Scotland’s cultural landscape with their talent and creativity, and uplift and inspire others through their contributions.

“Their stories remind us that by championing diversity and equity, we all gain a stronger, more vibrant cultural community. This list is a tribute to their remarkable impact and a call to action for continued support and recognition of women in the arts."

Hands Up for Trad described Ms Gray as one of Scotland's “most distinguished broadcasters, authors and public figures”, whose forty-year career has spanned television, journalism, fiction writing and cultural governance.

Meanwhile, Ms Olumide, from Edinburgh, is Scotland's first black supermodel who has graced the pages of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and worked with Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, as well as dedicating her career to social justice and equity.

International Women’s Day is marked by millions of people around the world, celebrating the many achievements of women and acting as a call to action for advancing gender equality. IWD was first observed in 1911, with this year’s event marking 115 years of action.