Women Who Make Glasgow

Welcome to the March edition of our Glasgow 850 Blog: celebrating 850 years of innovation, culture, and community.

In honour of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on 8 March, our third blog explores ‘Women Who Make Glasgow’ and some of the most famous Glasgow names that have shaped the city’s legacy. Join us as we celebrate the remarkable women who’ve contributed to Glasgow’s rich cultural and social fabric.

1. Elaine C. Smith

In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) and Glasgow’s 850^th anniversary, we honour Elaine C. Smith as our first ‘Famous Glasgow Woman’. The celebrated actress and comedy star was granted the Freedom of the City award on IWD earlier this month, in recognition of her remarkable contributions to the arts and advocacy for women’s rights.

Known for her iconic roles in TV series such as City Lights and Two Doors Down, Elaine joins an elite group of ‘Freemen of Glasgow’, including Sir Billy Connolly and Nelson Mandela. Alongside her acting and theatre career, Elaine is a dedicated charity campaigner and political activist, with a strong focus on issues such as the Scottish constitution, anti-poverty initiatives, and women’s rights. She has played an active role in charitable work, particularly through her efforts to support vulnerable women and children within her local community.

Elaine’s playful acceptance of her new title—testing her rights as a Freeman by ‘grazing Highland cattle on Glasgow Green’ —reflects her strong and enduring spirit as a freewoman of Glasgow, and the values celebrated throughout Women’s History Month.

Read more about Elaine C. Smith and her Freedom of the City of Glasgow award.

2. Louisa Jordan

For number 2, we honour Louisa Jordan, a remarkable woman whose legacy has made a lasting impact on both the city and the nation. Louisa Jordan is best known for her pivotal role during World War I, where she became one of the first women from Glasgow, more specifically – Maryhill, to serve in a frontline medical capacity. Her bravery and dedication to caring for wounded soldiers made her a symbol of courage and compassion (Fotheringham, 2020).

Louisa’s story is deeply intertwined with Glasgow’s history, as she was one of the city’s most celebrated nursing pioneers. Tragically, she died of an illness contracted while serving in Serbia, but her memory lives on through the Louisa Jordan Hospital, named in her honour, which has played a significant role in the city’s healthcare system, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She is also commemorated at the Buckhaven War Memorial and at Wilton Church in Glasgow.

Her legacy continues to inspire Glasgow’s commitment to healthcare and women’s contributions to service. Louisa’s selfless dedication, particularly during a time of immense global upheaval, stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of women throughout history. Her name remains synonymous with bravery, compassion, and Glasgow’s proud history of serving the community.

 3. Mary Barbour

Born in 1883 in Glasgow, Mary Barbour was a pivotal figure in the city’s early 20^th century labour movement. Mary was widely recognised for her passionate advocacy for workers' rights and played a pivotal role in the Glasgow Women's Trade Union, the 1915 Glasgow Rent Strikes, and the South Govan Housing Association. As one of the leading women of the strikes, Mary worked tirelessly to campaign against the high rents and poor conditions faced by working-class families. Her unwavering commitment to justice helped secure victories for Glasgow’s tenants, making her a key figure in the city’s social and political history (MacPherson, 2022).

Mary quickly became a household name in Glasgow, celebrated for her direct approach to fighting inequality and for her ability to rally people together for a common cause. Through her work, Mary Barbour paved the way for future generations of activists and remains a powerful symbol of the collective strength of Glasgow’s working-class communities.

 4. June Almeida

June Almeida was a pioneering Glaswegian virologist whose groundbreaking work in virus imaging and identification has left a legacy on both medical science and the world.

Born in 1930 in Glasgow, June was a trailblazer in the field of microbiology. Despite facing numerous challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, she went on to make history as the first person to capture images of the coronavirus using an electron microscope in 1964. This monumental achievement, which helped lay the groundwork for understanding viral structures, became especially significant in recent years as the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic (Brocklehurst, 2020).

June’s career was defined by her curiosity, determination, and innovation. She worked at institutions like the University of Glasgow and the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, advancing virology through her research on viruses like Rubella and hepatitis B. Her work in electron microscopy helped identify virus structures, shaping modern diagnostic techniques and continuing to influence virology research today (National Museums Scotland, 2025).

 5. Dame Katherine Grainger

As we celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped Glasgow’s history, we recognise Dame Katherine Grainger, one of the city’s most celebrated athletes and a true icon of perseverance and achievement in the world of sport.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Katherine is the most decorated female Olympian in British history, having won five Olympic medals in rowing, including gold at the 2012 London Olympics (Team GB, 2024). Her victory in London was the culmination of years of striving, following four previous silver medals, and cemented her place in sporting history.

Katherine’s achievements reflect not only her skill and determination but also her commitment to breaking barriers for women in sport. Her rise to prominence inspired a generation of young athletes, especially women, to chase their sporting dreams. Beyond her success, she has become a strong advocate for gender equality in sport and a role model for athletes worldwide. Now, she has become the first female chair of the British Olympic Association in its 119-year history (Ford, 2024) further solidifying Katherine’s story as a reminder of the power of resilience and determination in the pursuit of excellence.

6. Winnie Drinkwater

Originally from Cardonald, Winifred Joyce Drinkwater (Winnie) made aviation history in 1930 by becoming the youngest aircraft pilot in the world. She was just 17 when she qualified at the Scottish Flying School in Renfrew. Not long after, Winnie made further history by becoming the first female pilot in the UK to fly the inaugural Glasgow to London service, marking a significant milestone in both her career and in the history of British aviation (Fotheringham, 2020).

Winnie is now celebrated throughout the city, with an interactive mural honouring her legacy on Paisley Road West and a plaque in her memory at Clyde View Park in Renfrew (Fleming, 2023). 

7. Sharleen Spiteri

Sharleen Spiteri is one of Glasgow’s most iconic musical figures, best known as the lead singer and frontwoman of the world-renowned band ‘Texas’. Renowned for her smoky, soulful voice and distinctive mix of rock, pop, and blues, Sharleen has led the band through several chart-topping albums, including White on Blonde (1997), which produced hits such as "Say What You Want" and "Black Eyed Boy." In addition to her musical success, Sharleen has made a name for herself as a respected solo artist and continues to be a prominent figure in Glasgow's dynamic music scene. With over 30 years of musical influence, Sharleen Spiteri’s career has garnered numerous accolades, solidifying her place as one of Scotland’s most celebrated musical talents (Gibsone, 2023). Most recently, it was revealed that Sharleen will be awarded an honorary degree from the University of Strathclyde in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the arts, with the award to be presented at this year's summer graduation ceremonies (UofG, 2025). 

8. Avril Paton

We've explored the lives of famous Glasgow athletes, healthcare pioneers, social justice champions, musicians, and more, and now we celebrate one of the city's most beloved artists as our final iconic Glasgow woman. Avril Paton is undoubtedly one of Glasgow’s most admired artists, with the city and its people at the heart of her work. She’s perhaps best known for her iconic painting ‘Windows in the West’ – a stunning portrayal of a winter’s evening in a tenement on Saltoun Street. Visitors to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum continue to be captivated by the piece, as it beautifully captures the spirit of Glasgow’s tenement life (Glasgow City Heritage Trust, 2024). 

8.5 Glasgow Women of Enterprise

For the final 0.5 of our blog, we want to highlight some of the 850 initiatives taking place across the city. As such, check out the ‘walking tour’ through Glasgow’s history, that explores the influential women who shaped the city’s economy in the 19^th century. The tour uncovers the untold stories of women as independent economic agents, expanding beyond their traditional roles within the family economy.

Follow the walking tour here: Glasgow Women of Enterprise (1861 - 1901).