ALEX Salmond has been given a lifetime achievement award for his contribution towards achieving equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people.
The former first minister was presented with the accolade at the PinkNews 10th anniversary and awards at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson was named politician of the year.
The gay news service praised her for having “broken new ground” by appearing with her partner Jen Wilson in a party political broadcast before May’s General Election.
Salmond was hailed for his long-standing support for LGBTI rights, from his backing for an equal age of consent to his role in introducing equal marriage in Scotland.
The MP for Gordon said he was “honoured” to accept the award, saying: “Since I first became an MP, Scotland has taken huge strides towards becoming the fair and equal country we all want to see.”
Davidson said: “I had no idea how to be gay in public when I was first elected. I’ve tried hard to always be an honest voice when asked about LGBT issues and to show myself and my relationships in an honest way.”
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