UNISON's CITTY FINLAYSON has been awarded the STUC Womens' Committee's MERITORIOUS AWARD. Here Eileen Dinning does a brief 'This is Your Life'.

Citty Finlayson has been a union activist since she joined the Health service in 1977 and has held most activists positions in UNISON and its predecessor union, Nalgo.

In addition her background and life is rich and varied. In the 1960's she was active in CND, Anti Apartheid Movement and Women's Lib movement. Her activity across the trade union movement and women's movement is legendary - including a tremendous contribution to the STUC Women's committee and Conference.

You would think that her union activity would be enough to fill up her time - but no. The rest of her time is dedicated to the Scottish Folk scene. She is currently a director of the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland. Previously she was Convener for 8 years. And has organised many a festival!

In 1989 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent various operations and treatments which left a permanent disability in her right hand and arm. She is still undergoing treatment including chemo this year. She's in the middle of course 4 out of 6 just now and has had breathing problems since July this year.

Anyone else confronted as Citty has been with serious ill health would have used it as an opportunity to lead a quieter life. Not Citty. She continues to fight for people's rights as well as her fight against ill health.

It is difficult to even attempt to try and put into words her commitment to this movement, She is not only a true, honest and passionate advocate for women's rights, and her loathing of any kind of injustice is not confined to the workplace.

Her fight against injustice and unfairness goes beyond the borders of this country and she is an internationalist in the best sense of the word. She is also one of the funniest people to be with.

Her wit is sharp and dry and she adores gossip but never spreads it. With Carol Peggie and Noreen Crabb she formed an extraordinary trio on UNISON's National Women's Committee who never, ever seemed to stop laughing. A great fighter, a great friend and a great feminist.

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