THREE prominent women from Scottish culture will be in Dumbarton next week to mark International Women's Day.

Denise Mina, the celebrated crime author, Kaye Adams, popular broadcaster on Radio Scotland and singer-songwriter Horse McDonald will take part in a panel discussion at the town's library titled "Women Who Have Inspired Me".

International Women's Day is celebrated on the same day each year, and recognises the achievements of women in society and also the struggles women still face in different cultures across the globe.

Allan Gordon, the reader development librarian who helped organise the event, says the three panellists are a good fit for the event because they have all managed to achieve success in their chosen field.

He told the Reporter: "Denise Mina is a bestselling novelist who has won several major awards including the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award in 2012. "She is an extremely engaging and articulate speaker, regularly featuring on BBC Two's The Review Show. "Kaye Adams is one of the most popular and experienced broadcasters in Scotland. Her work encompasses both TV and radio, including Loose Women, The One Show and Call Kaye. She is known for her humour, incisiveness, and journalistic skills." Allan added: "Horse McDonald is a leading singer/songwriter whose career has spanned eight albums and three decades. She is highly acclaimed for her sonorous voice and songwriting skills.

"She recently appeared on the charity single 'It Does Get Better' created by The L Project, the proceeds going to LGBT charities which aim to raise awareness about the effects of LGBT bullying, to give hope to those suffering from it, and to raise money to help combat it. "We think that all three panellists are very interesting and stimulating women who embody many of the qualities that will inspire others." Allan hopes the panellists discussing their inspirations will, in turn, inspire those who hear the talk.

He explained: "We anticipate that everyone who attends will think of the positive role that certain women have played in their own lives and celebrate the inspiration that they have been given by these special individuals. "We also hope that people will be enthused by the lives of our panellists and also try to achieve their own dreams and aspirations. The event is a celebration of those amazing women that we have all encountered - it could be a friend, a writer, a politician, or your own mum." The event will be held in Dumbarton Library at 7.30pm on Friday, March 8. All are welcome to attend and free tickets are available from Dumbarton, Alexandria and Balloch Libraries.

It is anticipated that there will be a lot of interest in this event so it is advised that you book early.