Scotlands top 50 influential women 23-30

Gillian Berrie has put Glasgow at the heart of Scotland’s film and TV industry as co-director of Sigma Films (Hallam Foe and Perfect Sense) and as founder of Film City Glasgow. Tastemaker of the Year at the Scottish Style Awards, she also brought Scarlett Johansson here for the film of Michel Faber’s Under The Skin.

Most likely to say: “Glasgow is the new Hollywood.”

As the chair of Scotland’s most powerful business lobbying group, CBI Scotland, when Nosheena Mobarik speaks up – on issues such as the need for more women in boardrooms – people listen. The first Scots Asian – and only the second woman – to take on the position, she is a successful businesswoman in her own right, as joint chief executive of M Computer Technologies.

Bet you didn’t know: She was Scotland’s first Asian woman to get an OBE for services to business.

As chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Liz Cameron is constantly engaging with the country’s top politicians. As chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Cameron is constantly engaging with top politicians and is a key commentator on the economy, on issues such as high-speed rail and the Scottish Government’s ambitions to take control of corporation tax. An innovator in helping young people into business, she is also outspoken on the dangers of rising youth unemployment .

Most likely to say: "There's no such word as can't".

As the principal and vice-chancellor of Edinburgh Napier, Joan Stringer was the first woman in charge of a Scottish university. Last year saw her take on a more public role, as convener of the International Committee of Universities Scotland, arguing against the introduction of tougher visa restrictions for overseas students.

Most likely to say: “I’ve got to get home for University Challenge.”

Having proven herself in a deputy role at investment giant Standard Life, Jackie Hunt was made chief financial officer in early 2010. She must ensure the company meets a £100m cost-saving target.

Least likely to say: “Put it on the credit card.”

As Scotland’s Makar, Liz Lochhead pushes poetry as a core part of Scottish culture and promotes it at home and internationally as a cultural ambassador. She has influenced generations of younger writers in Scotland and continues to be a widely-recognised author, translator, playwright and broadcaster.

Most likely to: Vote “yes” for an independent Scotland.

As the creator of the push-up Ultimo bra and founder and co-owner of the multimillion pound MJM International underwear business, Michelle Mone – who left school at 15 – is one of the UK’s most successful businesswomen. A director of the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust, she has over 100,000 Twitter followers and, last year, posted record profits for her company. She split from her husband before Christmas in a blaze of publicity.

Least likely to: Be seen shopping in Ann Summers.

As a founder and CEO of the phenomenally-successful TV production outfit Shed Media – behind hits such as Bad Girls and Footballers’ Wives – Eileen Gallagher is one of the first ladies of television. Now back in Scotland with Waterloo Road, Gallagher is writing again and acting as an independent director on the Glasgow 2014 board, overseeing the opening and closing ceremonies. r

Watch out for: Stitched Up, a new drama for ITV set in a clothing factory.