Church of Scotland's first female Asian Minister named Woman of the Year

Reverend Aquila Singh said she felt ''honoured'' to be recognised at the 12th Scottish Asian and Business Awards in Glasgow on Thursday night, less than 12 months after she was ordained.

The Woman of the Year accolade recognises the achievements of an inspirational person who has made a positive impact on society.

Rev Singh, who was ordained and inducted into Fernhill and Cathkin Parish Church in Rutherglen in January, was voted for by the public.

She said: ''I am honoured to receive this award, it has been quite a year for me.

I began it being ordained and inducted into my first charge, and I ended it wining Woman of the Year.

It was quite a night with lots worthy people winning awards include many women.''

Rev Singh, who still thinks of herself as the ''wee lassie from Pollokshields'', said ''God worked in many strange and wonderful ways''.

She added: ''If you would have told me eight years ago that I would become a minister and then win Woman of the Year I would have laughed heartily at the suggestion.

I want to thank the Church of Scotland for believing enough in me in the first place and accepting me into the ministry programme.

It was hard work and at times challenging, but I have the most amazing time and made lifelong friends.''

Rev Singh was born in Pakistan and moved to Glasgow when she was two.

Rev George Cowie, clerk to the Presbytery of Glasgow, congratulated Ms Singh on her win.

He said: ''We were delighted to hear that Aquila has been recognised in this way.

In many ways, her award acknowledges the increasingly inclusive nature of modern-day Scotland where people from different cultures and backgrounds are valued for the contributions that they make.

The Church can be part of that story, by welcoming and affirming others.''