Scottish Politician of the Year is an annual award established in 1999. It is held by The Herald newspaper in Prestonfield House, Edinburgh. Although the awards ceremony has been held once at the Royal Museum, Prestonfield House Hotel is considered to be the home of the event. At the 2004 ceremony – held at the Prestonfield – former Labour MSP and life peer Mike Watson, set fire to a curtain, and was subsequently convicted of wilful fire raising. Not all of the subsidiary awards are handed out every year.

Winners

Main award: Scottish Politician of the Year

Best Scot at Westminster

Debater of the Year, since 2001 renamed Donald Dewar Debater of the Year

Politics in Business

Public Campaign/Campaigner of the Year

Councillor/Local Government Politician of the Year

e-Politician of the Year

Lifetime Achievement Award/Outstanding Political Achievement

Committee/Committee Member(s) of the Year

Community MSP of the Year

240th Anniversary of The Herald Award (2023)

Judges Award (2014 only)

One to Watch/Award for Progress (1999-2013 only)

Green Champion

Political Impact of the Year (2011-2013 only)

Newcomer of the Year (2011 only)

Free Spirit/Maverick of the Year (2000-2008 only)

International Scot Award (2007 and 2008 only)

Scottish Euro MP of the Year (2000-2003 only)

Election Performance of the Year (2003 only)

Front Bencher of the Year (1999 only)

Back Bencher of the Year (1999 only)

Sources