A HIGH-FLIER from one of Barrhead’s best-known firms has won a prestigious award.

Jacqueline Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel, was named Inspirational Woman of the Year at the 2021 Business Women Scotland Business Awards ceremony.

The event, which took place at Glasgow’s Oran Mor on Friday, celebrated the achievements of Scottish businesswomen over the past year.

Ms Dobson was rewarded after a difficult time for the travel industry as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

She was commended by judges for her advocacy work representing the Scottish travel industry, her “unwavering commitment and respect” towards colleagues and her leadership within the business community.

Ms Dobson said: “Being a woman in business still has its challenges but to be surrounded by so many resilient female leaders who are making waves in their fields and helping to pave the way for the next generation of women in business is really uplifting.

“I am grateful to my team for nominating me for this award. Any recognition is only achieved through teamwork and I am privileged to work with such a talented and supportive group of colleagues.”

A spokesperson for the board of directors at Barrhead Travel added: “Throughout the pandemic, Jacqueline has been an extraordinary champion for her colleagues and peers across the industry.

“She wholeheartedly prioritised her teams and safeguarded the wellbeing of her employees.

“Her creative thinking, steadiness and determination to drive positive change has navigated Barrhead Travel during the most tumultuous crisis that our industry has ever seen.

“Above all else, it is Jacqueline’s loyalty and belief in her people that make her a truly powerful and inspiring leader.”

Lynne Kennedy MBE, founder of Business Women Scotland, said: “We have always wanted to shine a light on the great work women are doing across Scotland while being role models for the next generation.

“It was even more important this year, given the economic struggles faced during the pandemic.”