A Scottish nurse and businesswoman who co-founded the Stagecoach Group, a leading transport company, and is known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in Africa. She's also a prominent supporter of Scottish independence.
Dame Ann Gloag is a renowned Scottish businesswoman, activist, and charity campaigner, best known for co-founding the transport company Stagecoach Group. With an estimated net worth of £730 million, Gloag is Scotland's richest woman and a prominent figure in the country's business and philanthropic circles.
Gloag was born on December 10, 1942, in Perth, Scotland. She was educated at Caledonian Road Primary School and Perth High School. She later qualified as a nurse and spent 20 years working in the burn unit as a sister.
In 1980, Gloag, along with her brother, Sir Brian Souter, and her first husband, Robin, founded Stagecoach Group using her father's redundancy money. The company started by running buses from Dundee to London and gradually expanded to acquire National Bus Company operations in various regions. By the early 1990s, Stagecoach had become a significant player in the UK's bus industry.
In 2013, Gloag took ownership of Kent International Airport, also known as Manston Airport, for a nominal sum of £1. Despite initial assurances to staff about long-term investment, the airport's management announced a consultation on closure in 2014. This led to flight operators, including KLM, leaving the airport, casting uncertainty over its future.
Gloag is a trustee of the charity Mercy Ships, which provides medical care and humanitarian aid to developing nations. She played a key role in the creation of the charity's hospital ship.
Gloag was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in recognition of her services to business and philanthropy.
In January 2023, Gloag, along with her husband and two other family members, was charged with criminal offenses involving human trafficking. She has disputed the charges.
Throughout her career, Dame Ann Gloag has left an indelible mark on Scotland's business landscape. Her philanthropic work has made a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals around the world. Despite the challenges she faces, Gloag remains a respected figure in Scottish society.
Through her remarkable achievements and philanthropic efforts, Dame Ann Gloag continues to inspire generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
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