HIGH-PROFILE Scots including ­Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, comedian Susan Calman and poet Carol Ann Duffy have been named as some of the most influential lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Britain.

Actor-turned-politician Michael Cashman, now Lord Cashman of Limehouse, topped the Rainbow List, ahead of last year's winner, writer Paris Lees, and religious commentator and musician Vicky Beeching. Scottish Tory leader Davidson was ranked fourth, while TV, radio host and journalist Evan Davis was fifth.

There are also mentions for Olympic diver Tom Daley, Great British Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins, and popstar Sam Smith.

The Rainbow List, the new name for the Independent on Sunday's Pink List, was established in 2000 and has since become a widely received register of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people who have worked hard to promote progress and equality in the UK.

Cashman, 63, who came to fame as the ­character Colin Russell in EastEnders, takes his place at the top of the list in the same week as the funeral of his long-term partner. Labour activist Paul Cottingham, 50, died last month after a four-and-a-half-year cancer battle. His funeral service was attended by actor Sir Ian McKellen, presenter Paul O'Grady and former prime minister Tony Blair.

Further down in the list is Calman, left, at 31, and Duffy, ranked in 51st place. The list also includes the UK's first Muslim drag queen, Asif Quraishi - at number 86 - and groundbreaking poet, Kate Tempest, who is at 90.