'Inspirational' minister hailed in the Scottish Parliament
Published on 10 January 2018 1 minute read
An "inspirational" minister who was named Woman of the Year less than 12 months after she was ordained has been recognised in the Scottish Parliament.
Cross-party MSPs have signed a motion congratulating Rev Aquila Singh who was honoured at the 12th Scottish Asian and Business Awards in Glasgow last month.
The minister of Fernhill and Cathkin Parish Church in Rutherglen said the prize had left her "stunned and humbled".
Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey said she was "delighted" to lodge a motion at Holyrood to recognise the Church of Scotland's first Asian woman minister.
"Ms Singh is an inspirational woman and she is thoroughly deserving of her achievement," said the politician.
"Since coming to Rutherglen last year, she has become one of the real focal points of the community.
"It comes as no surprise that her accolade was won due to votes from the public.
"As the Church of Scotland's first female Asian minister, Ms Singh truly personifies Scotland as a diverse and inclusive nation, and her contribution to Fernhill and Cathkin Parish Church is rightly being recognised."
Gobsmacked
The Woman of the Year accolade recognises the achievements of an inspirational person who has made a positive impact on society.
The motion has been signed by SNP, Labour and Conservative MSPs and wishes Ms Singh and her congregation "all the best for the future".
Ms Singh, who was born in Pakistan and moved to Glasgow when she was two, said she was "gobsmacked" to have been recognised in the Scottish Parliament.
"I am honoured and flattered that an MSP would lodge a motion about me," she added.
"I am chuffed to bits but it is also wonderful recognition for the church and the very many people who work there and volunteer.
"My dad recently passed away and he would have been chuffed about this recognition.
"It is a lovely tonic to start the New Year with."