Today, the Evening Times is launching its search for Scotland’s most inspiring female of 2016.

She could be your friend, your neighbour or colleague, or even your mum.

Perhaps she is a local charity worker, going the extra mile for the benefit of her whole community?

Maybe you know someone who has overcome obstacles in her own life to change things for the better for all of us?

Whether she is a celebrity you admire or a business leader inspiring a generation; a medical pioneer saving lives or a compassionate carer, we want to hear about the woman you think deserves our title.

Previous winners have changed laws and saved lives.

They have raised hundreds of thousands pounds for causes close to their heart and beaten injustice.

Our 2016 winner will be following in the footsteps of some impressive women – such as last year’s title holder, Adele Patrick.

Adele set up Glasgow Women’s Library to showcase and support women’s literature and language and 25 years on, it is a nationally-recognised, much-loved institution.

Since winning SWOTY, Adele and the Library have had a fantastic year, collecting a host of awards and accolades along the way.

Most recently, the Library was crowned Venue of the Year in the Icon Awards, sponsored by the Evening Times’ sister title The Sunday Herald and Adele was named a Woman of the Year in the UK-wide Women of Inspiration awards.

Adele said: “I know it is all because of SWOTY.

“I have been blown away by the outpouring of goodwill and generosity from people since the Evening Times gave me the award in February.

“We have seen hundreds more people come through the doors of the library and I have had so many lovely messages of support and congratulations.

“I love being part of the SWOTY family.”

Other previous winners have included Cara Henderson, who set up anti-sectarian charity Nil by Mouth following the death of her best friend and Ann Moulds, who overcame a terrifying stalking ordeal to successfully change laws in Scotland, the UK and all over Europe.

Mark Scott was stabbed to death on a Glasgow street by a stranger who saw only the colour of the football scarf he was wearing. For the past 15 years, Nil by Mouth has spearheaded initiatives and projects helping to stamp out this vicious blight on Scottish society.

The long, long list of inspirational women to pick up the prestigious title includes Glasgow supergrans Jean Donnachie and Noreen Real, who stopped Home Office dawn raids on asylum seekers in Scotstoun; and Dr Mary Hepburn, who has worked tirelessly for more than 20 years to help disadvantaged mothers.

We know there are many, many more women like Adele, Cara, Ann, Jean, Noreen and Mary out there, from unsung charity heroines to brilliant business motivators; from famous faces to ordinary mothers and grandmothers doing extraordinary things.

Evening Times editor Graham Shields said: “It is always with great pride that the Evening Times launches its search for our Scotswoman of the Year.

“It gives us a chance to pay tribute to some of the incredible women across the country, who go the extra mile for the benefit of others.

“Our previous winners, including the current incumbent, Glasgow Women’s Library founder Adele Patrick, are exceptional examples of how determination and dedication can triumph over personal heartache and adversity.

“I’m looking forward to hearing our readers’ suggestions for who should hold the 2016 title.”

Nominate your woman of 2016 by emailing swoty@eveningtimes.co.uk by the closing date of Friday, December 9.

The winner will be announced at a glittering, invitation-only gala dinner in February, hosted by Glasgow City Council in the spectacular surroundings of the City Chambers.

You can email swoty@eveningtimes.co.uk or place your nomination on the website www.eveningtimesevents.com/scotswoman.