First Minister John Swinney named Scottish Politician of the Year

The SNP MSP took the top prize at The Herald’s Scottish Politician of the Year Awards 2025, held in association with ScottishPower, in Edinburgh on Thursday night.

Swinney was praised by judges for turning the SNP’s fortunes around after a period of turmoil and his efforts to persuade US President Donald Trump to reconsider tariffs on Scotch whisky. 

The First Minister met with Trump at the opening of his golf course in Aberdeenshire in July 2025, where he struck up a relationship with the President which led to a visit to the White House in September.

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He would spend almost an hour in the Oval Office making the case that the 10% levy on whisky exports to the US is costing the industry £4 million per week. 

Accepting the award, Swinney said it was “the privilege of my life to serve the people of Scotland".

All nominees in the category were asked to pick a charity with the money raised on the night divided between the three.

The First Minister chose the MS Society, which he said was “very close to his heart”. Swinney’s wife Elizabeth has MS, and he said that without her sacrifice, he would not be able to serve the people of Scotland.

"I know there's the odd moment where I can maybe be a little bit harsh when I'm giving an answer or two in parliamentary debate,” he said. 

“That should never disguise the fact that I recognise across the political spectrum that elected members are serving the people of Scotland with devotion, with energy, yes with different views, different perspectives but nonetheless a determination to serve the people of Scotland."

The awards are now in their 27th year. 

You can see the full list of winners below:

• Scottish Politician of the Year – First Minister John Swinney
• Politics in Business – Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes
• ScottishPower Green Champion – Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes
• Best Scot at Westminster – Brian Leishman MP
• Community MSP of the Year – Michael Marra MSP
• Committee MSP of the Year – Douglas Ross MSP
• Donald Dewar Debater of the Year – Elena Whitham MSP
• One to Watch – Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan
• Public Campaign or Campaigner of the Year – For Women Scotland
• Scottish Local Politician of the Year – Councillor Willie Scobie
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Lord George Robertson