If 2016 proved anything it was surely that politics is never dull.
It is also without doubt that the fallout from those seismic events will continue to hog the headlines during 2017.
The ramifications of the Brexit vote and its impact on Scotland’s constitutional position will dominate the news agenda.
The Herald has led the debate in Scotland with its agenda-setting Beyond Brexit series which tackled the big issues surrounding the vote and how they might impact on Scots.
During the course of 2017, we will continue our unparalleled coverage and comment, both in print and online, and we will also, once again, be hosting The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year Awards.
These awards are an annual highlight of the country’s political and social calendar and the ongoing fallout from the Brexit vote means this year’s event will be the focus of huge interest.
Since they were established in 1999, The Herald has always seen the awards as a way of bringing people together to promote high standards of political performance and foster constructive relationships between the worlds of politics and business.
The evening is enjoyed by elected officials, key decision makers, commentators and opinion formers and is seen as a means to make new contacts and relationships and renew old acquaintances.
The event is always memorable but as well as being hugely enjoyable it also recognises the excellent work carried out at both Holyrood and Westminster and recognises politicians – at a national and local level – who have helped to shape events.
The 2017 awards took place at Prestonfield House on Thursday, November 16. For information on the 2018 event please contact Lyndsay Wilson on 0141 302 7407 or Lyndsay.wilson@heraldandtimes.co.uk
The networking booklet is an essential business product, that is distributed to all guests who attend on the night.
The booklet lists all attendee’s name and company details and their table allocation number – creating a “go to” list for networking on the day of the event, and to contact thereafter.
The booklet will be distributed during the drinks reception at the Orbit stand – and will also be handed out during dinner.
When collecting your networking booklet, please ensure you leave your business card with Orbit to enter into their prize draw.
The Scottish MP who has made the biggest impact and had most influence in their role at Westminster, either within their own party or for the country.
Last year’s winner: David Mundell MP (Con)
The MSP who has demonstrated the best debating skills within the Scottish Parliament, either with fellow MSPs or the media. This can be considered on a one speech performance or over the course of the past year.
Last Year’s winner: Ruth Davidson MSP (Con)
The backbench MSP who has stood out most in Holyrood’s vital committee system. The winner will be a parliamentarian who has shone in the role of scrutinising legislation, inquiring into public policy and holding ministers to account. They will have a talent for finding the right question in committee meetings and presenting their case in committee debates.
Last year’s winner: Mary Scanlon
A new category which would have been titled ‘Constituency MSP of the Year’ if Holyrood did not have regional as well constituency MSPs. The winner will be an MSP who has fought hard for people in their constituency or region on a big local issue or high profile individual case.
Last Year’s winner: Jackie Baillie MSP (Lab)
This award will recognise an MSP who demonstrates potential to rise through the ranks of their party and/or in Parliament.
Last year’s winner: Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP (Lib Dem)
This award recognise s engagement with the business community to create a more business-friendly environment. MSPs, MPs and MEPs are all eligible to be considered.
Last Year’s winner: Fergus Ewing MSP (SNP)
This award will recognise an MSP or MP who has successfully used digital communication channels (twitter, facebook, blogs) to connect and interact with both the public and media in a meaningfully way.
Last year’s winner: Johann Lamont MSP (Lab)
A public award to recognise an individual or group that has best engaged with the political system to change legislation.
Last Year’s winner: No to Name Persons (NO2NP) Campaign
This award recognises the achievements of a politician working within one of the 32 Scottish local authorities. The recipient will demonstrate outstanding and innovative public service and commitment to the community they serve.
Last year’s winner: Councillor Mark Macmillan – Leader, Renfrewshire Council
This award is not presented on an annual basis but to mark the achievements of an MSP or MP whose political career has a consistent history of service above and beyond the call of duty throughout their career.
Last year’s winner: Rt Hon Lord Campbell of Pittenweem CH CBE PC QC (Lib Dem)
The MSP who demonstrates the biggest contribution to the political process in Scotland throughout the year.
Last year’s winner: Ruth Davidson MSP (Con)
RUTH Davidson has been named The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year for the second consecutive year after following up her party’s revival at Holyrood with spectacular advances at…
