Hosted at the Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh 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.

 Mailys Garden, Scotland Regional Lead for Women in Transport commented:

“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.”

Lorna Gibson, Chair of Women in Rail Scotland added:

“What an honour to welcome these incredible and influential women to the stage as part of this historic event, which also marked 200 years of the UK railway. 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.”

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The feedback we received from our members was overwhelmingly positive:

“Many thanks for such an inspirational event last night, it was a perfect celebration of the progress made by women in the industry whilst acknowledging the journey still to come.

“Truly inspiring to hear about the different experiences of and pathways to leadership.”

“I was genuinely moved by the powerful stories of the incredible women in this sector — their paths, their resilience, and the way they navigate challenges with strength and authenticity.”

If you’re interested in supporting our future events, whether by suggesting topics or recommending speakers, please get in touch with us at scotland@womenintransport.com.