Welcome to our rundown of the 50 most influential women in Scotland this year.

We’ve consulted our writers and experts in every field from business to books, film to fashion, sports, poetry and politics to create a list of female movers and shakers, entrepreneurs and go-getters in Scotland today.

This is not a power list; these are women who are influential in their field. They will be shaping our lives this year in a variety of ways – from the way the country is run and how our investments perform, to the music we listen to, the films we rave about and the sport we watch.

It’s been a hard list to narrow down and we want to know what you think. Share your thoughts using the comment box below, or send them to us at heraldwoman@theherald.co.uk or write to Herald Woman, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 3QB.

Influential women: The top six

Influential women: 7 - 14

Influential women: 15 - 22

Influential women: 23 - 30

Influential women: 31 - 38

Influential women: 49 -46

Influential women 47 - 50