BBC radio and TV reporter Sarah Smith has been unveiled as the host for the 20th anniversary of The Herald Politician of the Year Awards.
The event will take place on Thursday, November 22, in Edinburgh’s five-star Prestonfield House.
Organised by The Herald, the awards are sponsored by NVT Group, Royal Bank of Scotland, ScottishPower, Virgin Trains and Openreach, and supported by Scottish Water.
More than 500 guests will be in attendance on the evening, which will be enjoyed by elected officials, key decision makers, commentators and opinion formers.
Read more: Scottish Politician of the Year Awards shortlist revealed
Guests will be entertained by musical comedy Playing Politicsand Scottish poet Rab Wilson.
The event will recognise the work carried out at both Holyrood and Westminster, as well as politicians at a national and local level who have helped to shape events.
Clive Selley, chief executive of Openreach, said: “As Scotland’s national digital network business and a major employer, we’re very proud to be connected to The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year Awards for the first time this year.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating the many achievements of Scottish politicians in Councils, Committees and of course Chambers at Holyrood and Westminster.”
He added: “All that remains for us to do is wish everyone who’s in the running for these prestigious awards the very best of luck.”
Keith Anderson, chief executive, ScottishPower, said: “As the 2018 Scottish Politician of the Year Awards approaches ScottishPower looks forward to supporting one of the highlights in the political calendar. We wish all the nominees every success on the night.”
Read more: Stage is set for Herald’s 20th Scottish Politician of the Year awards ceremony
Hamish Fraser, group managing director of NVT Group, said: “The Herald’s Scottish Politician of the Year awards ceremony is one of the must-attend events on the Scottish calendar and the fact that we have been a sponsor since 2012 speaks volumes. Every year we are impressed with the scale of the contribution to Scottish politics which is showcased on the night and we are certain this year will be no different. We are very much looking forward to finding out who the winners will be on November 22.”
Malcom Buchanan, managing director Corporate & Commercial Banking at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Royal Bank of Scotland is pleased to support The Herald Politician of the Year Awards once again and we are looking forward to the event on November 22.
“The Politics in Business recognises the important relationship that needs to exist between Scotland’s political and business spheres and this year’s shortlist is strong. We wish every finalist the best of luck.”
A full list of this year’s nominees can be found here.
If you would like to attend the event on Thursday, November 22, please contact Lyndsay Wilson, Events Director on 0141 302 7407.
Please note that there is limited space available.