SCOTTISH Tory leader Ruth Davidson has been named The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year after leading her party to their best-ever result at Holyrood.
She was also named Donald Dewar Debater of the Year for her performances in parliament and on behalf of the Remain side during the EU referendum.
She beat off competition from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister John Swinney for the main award after leading the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party into becoming the largest opposition party at Holyrood in May.
Also recognised were Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity, former Labour leader Johann Lamont, and the campaign against the named persons legislation.
Former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Campbell received the lifetime achievement award.
Herald & Times Group acting editor-in-chief Graeme Smith said: “The last year has truly been a seismic one for both Scottish and UK politics, with the Tories claiming second place at Holyrood and then the vote for Brexit. The choice of Ruth Davidson as The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year 2016 may be controversial to some but hers was the outstanding performance of the year.
“In managing to restore the fortunes of a party regarded for so long in Scotland as toxic, she achieved something several of her predecessors had failed to do.
“Congratulations to her and to all the winners tonight who have ably demonstrated the strength and depth of Scotland’s political talent.”
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