SCOTLAND’S most prestigious political awards have issued their final call in the search for the country’s most impressive and effective campaign of the last 12 months.

Nominations for the Public Campaigner category in The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year Awards in association with Scottish Power close on August 10.

The Campaigner category is one of 10 included in the awards, which are presented to those who have shaped the political year and shown steady leadership in these turbulent times.

Founded in 1999, the awards are the highlight of the political calendar and are supported by ScottishPower, Aiir Networks and Drax.

Hosted by STV’s legendary political reporter and commentator Bernard Ponsonby, the evening is attended by key decision makers, commentators and opinion formers, and is an ideal way to make new contacts and renew acquaintances.

As well as being hugely enjoyable, it recognises the excellent work done at Holyrood and Westminster, and the politicians – at national and local level – at the heart of events.

The judging panel will be chaired by the Herald’s editor Catherine Salmond.

As in previous years, we welcome nominations in the Public Campaigner of the Year Award.

Last year the award was won by the Back Off Scotland campaign in conjunction with Green MSP Gillian Mackay for promoting harassment-free buffer zones around abortion clinics.

Ms Mackay’s Bill to create the zones later took just 30 minutes to garner the cross-party support it needed to advance at Holyrood and will affect thousands of women.

Other previous winners include British Heart Foundation Scotland for its campaign to ensure CPR is taught in all secondary schools, the fight against the flawed “named persons” legislation, and anti-stalking campaigner Ann Moulds.

All submissions must be made by a week on Thursday to be included.

As well as the Politician of the Year, the best debaters, community champions, promising MSPs, and diligent committee members will be recognised at the ceremony at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh on November 23.

To discuss the Public Campaigner category, please contact Nina Holmes, Head of Events, on 0141 302 6138 or email nina.holmes@newsquest.co.uk