JOANNA Cherry, Johann Lamont and Humza Yousaf were among the winners at last night’s Holyrood Political Awards ceremony.

The event was held at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden, with entertainment from comedian Matt Forde and band MP4, of which SNP MP Pete Wishart is a member.

Long-term figures in Scottish politics were recognised for their work, with former BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award and ex SNP MSP Bruce Crawford given the End of an Era Award following 22 years in the Parliament.

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Crawford said the award was an “unexpected and pleasant surprise”.

“Over 47 years in public service I was blessed to work with so many fantastic people and organisations,” he added.

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Meanwhile Taylor (above) thanked his wife and family for enduring his “many eccentricities”, and BBC Scotland for “many decades of fair and balance support”.

MSPs and MPs also received awards based on more recent work, with Joanna Cherry named best Scot at Westminster by the magazine’s judges.

Former independent MSP Andy Wightman received the Political Hero award, Humza Yousaf was recognised for having the Tweet of the Year and former Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham was given the Green Giant Award for her climate efforts.

Below is the full list of winners from the annual event.

Backbencher of the Year Award: Neil Findlay, Labour

Tweet of the Year Award: Humza Yousaf, SNP (for shutting down George Galloway)

One to Watch Award: Michael Marra, Labour

End of an Era Award: Bruce Crawford, SNP

Staffer of the Year Award: Lily Humphreys, Lib Dems

Best Scot at Westminster Award: Joanna Cherry, SNP

The Flushable Motion Award: Liam McArthur, Lib Dems (for a motion about an albino seal pup being accepted by Orkney's seal colony)

The Open All Hours Award: Daniel Johnson, Labour

The Speech of the Year Award: Anas Sarwar, Labour

The Green Giant Award: Roseanna Cunningham, SNP

MSP of the Year Award: Johann Lamont, Labour

Wag of the Year Award: Jackson Carlaw, Conservatives

Political Hero of the Year Award: Andy Wightman, Independent

Lifetime Achievement Award: Brian Taylor