Scotland rugby captain Rachel Malcolm has been awarded the ‘Woman to Watch 2026’ award with the Guinness Women’s Six Nations just around the corner.
Organisers Action for Children Scotland – a charity that supports over 30,000 children and families each year in Scotland to ensure more safe and happy childhoods – were joined by over 300 women at the Hilton Glasgow last Friday to celebrate inspirational leaders and role models at their annual Woman of Influence Awards.
The awards honour the extraordinary contribution and impact women make across Scottish society including leadership, business, sport and beyond.
And the Woman to Watch 2026 award went to Malcolm for being Scotland national rugby team captain and a talented leader and she was recognised for her role as an inspiring figure for young people.
As well as earning 61 caps for her country in the back-row to date, 34-year-old Malcolm is a doctor having completed a PhD in environmental physiology at Nottingham Trent University earlier in her career.
The awards she won on the night was sponsored by Nationwide Building Society while the Woman of Influence 2026 award sponsored by HAUS of Dentistry went to Professor Helen Minnis.
She is an internationally respected expert in child mental health and wellbeing whose research has contributed to improving the lives of children affected by trauma, neglect and adversity.
And the Inspirational Young Woman of Influence 2026 award went to Chloe who is an inspiring 18-year-old young carer from North Lanarkshire who has shown incredible strength while advocating for others and pursuing a career in health and social care.
Action for Children Scotland said: “Together we raised over £100,000 to support our work with vulnerable children, young people and families. Now in its 24th year the awards have raised over £1.5 million for the charity.
“A huge thank you to everyone who made it possible, sponsors, long-time supporters, volunteers, and a special shout out to the event board for their invaluable support.”
The women’s Six Nations – with Trailfinders Women’s Malcolm set to be involved – begins on April 11 when Scotland travel to Cardiff to take on Wales in the Principality Stadium.
Rachel Malcolm and the other Woman of Influence award winners are pictured – thanks to Action for Children Scotland