Gloag receives top award

STAGECOACH founder Ann Gloag has received a humanitarian award at the United Nations for her three decades of charity work.

Mrs Gloag was presented with the inaugural Susan B. Anthony Humanitarian Award last night, in recognition of more than 30 years of philanthropy.

The honour, awarded by the National Council of Women of the United States, is named after one of America’s most famous human rights pioneers and the only woman to appear on a US coin.

Former nurse Mrs Gloag was recognised for her charity work, which included support for UK charities and running an orphanage and school in Kenya.

She also helped set up the Freedom From Fistula Foundation to help women suffering after difficult births in Africa and worked with the international charity Mercy Ships, which takes doctors to some of the world’s poorest countries.

National Council of Women of the United States president Mary Singletary said: “We are delighted to present the award to Ann Gloag, who has devoted much of the past three decades to making a difference in people’s lives, communities and the state of the world.

“The award will be given annually and will recognise people who possess the vision, drive and determination of its namesake. Ann Gloag meets all of those qualifications.”

Ms Gloag, who with her brother Brian Souter founded the Stagecoach bus company in 1980, said she was humbled by the honour.

She said: “Susan Anthony was a true pioneer and if I achieve a tiny amount of what she achieved I will be very happy. Helping to improve the lives of others truly enriches my life and I love being hands on with all my charitable projects.

“I am privileged to be in a position where I have the opportunity to really make a difference and am able to support a wide range of organisations that provide wonderful support for people all over the world.”