THE HERALD FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2008 To watch daily video news reports 8 | NEWS go to theherald.co.uk Deputy First Minister takes centre stage

PoliticianoftheYearDonaldDewar InternationalScot BestScotat DebateroftheYear Award Westminster

Nicola Sturgeon wins top award ... and is Debater of the Year as well

ROBBIE DINWOODIE First Minister and his Finance WINNER: (SNP), WINNER: Sir Sean Connery, who WINNER: Alistair Darling (Lab), for CHIEF SCOTTISH POLITICAL Secretary John Swinney who expertly handled both good uses his role as the most famous his quiet handling of unprecedented CORRESPONDENT both in the frame following news and bad in her challenging Scot in the world to advance Scottish international financial and banking another successful period in health brief and deputised at FMQs. causes. crisis. NICOLA Sturgeon last night office for the minority SNP RUNNERS-UP: Alex Salmond (SNP) RUNNERS-UP: Ann Gloag and Chris RUNNERS-UP: (Lab) emerged from the formidable administration. and Tavish Scott (LibDems). Hoy. and Jim Murphy (Lab). shadow of SNP leader Alex Ms Sturgeon was also up Salmond to earn a place in the against Mr Salmond, as well TheOnetoWatchTheCommitteeAwardFreeSpiritoftheYear spotlight in her own right. Liberal Democrat leader The First Minister will feel Tavish Scott, for vindicated in advancing her Debater of the Year Award. career, as his Deputy First Her double victory reflect- Minister and Health Secre- ed the feeling of the judging tary took not just the overall panel that she had performed accolade as Scottish Politi- brilliantly in a number of cian of the Year, presented by roles – as an excellent deputy The Herald, but also the title at First Minister’s Questions, of Donald Dewar Debater of in full charge of her brief even the Year, sponsored by eaga. during challenges such as the At the annual awards cer- ambulance crisis and hospital emony at Prestonfield House infection outbreaks, and as a in , Chancellor key player in the SNP’s stun- WINNER: John Park (Lab), Holyrood WINNER: Bill Aitken (Con), for his WINNER: Chris Harvie (SNP), an Alistair Darling won the title ning victory in the newcomer promoted into Shadow impressive convenership of the academic with an international of Best Scot at Westminster, East by-election. Cabinet for skills agenda carried Justice Committee. reputation who has become a an award that is sponsored by Other winners of the from STUC background. RUNNERS-UP: Finance Committee charmingly eccentric MSP. the Bank of Scotland. night included Fife Labour RUNNERS-UP: Richard Baker (Lab) and Health Committee. RUNNERS-UP: Patrick Harvie (Green) The Chancellor won the MSP John Park, as The One and (Con). and Hugh O’Donnell (LibDem). accolade for the calm manner to Watch, sponsored by in which he has handled a year Microsoft. His award, pre- PublicCampaign LifetimeAchievement The of unprecedented financial sented by Monarch of the turmoil, assembling the res- Glen and Hollyoaks actress oftheYear Award judges cue package for British bank- Kari Corbett, reflected the ing which has been adopted fact that just 18 months into Charles McGhee, as a template elsewhere in his time in parliament he has Editor of The Herald. the world. Mr Darling, who reached Shadow Cabinet rank Robbie Dinwoodie, was unable to attend the and could be a real contender The Herald. ceremony, said: “Thank you for leadership in the future. Iain Macwhirter, very much. I’m deeply hon- At the other end of the The Herald and Sunday oured to receive the award. spectrum of experience, veter- Herald. I’d love to have been there to an Glasgow Conservative Bill Colin Mackay, collect it myself. Aitken won the Committee A Bauer Radio. “However, I hope you ward, for his impressive con- Joe Quinn, understand that I am travel- venership of the Justice Com- Press Association. ling to Washington to join mittee. The award, which is Brian Taylor, finance ministers from around sponsored by npower renew- WINNER: Clydeside Action on Asbestos WINNER: Lord Wallace of BBC Scotland. the world at the G20 summit ables, was presented by Scot- (Phyllis Craig and Gordon Skivington, above), Tankerness, the former Scottish Liz Cameron, to discuss the steps we need to land football manager George which stands on the brink of achieving a Liberal Democrat leader who played Scottish Chambers of take to support families and Burley. WINNER: Nicola Sturgeon (SNP), for strength of performances as both second change in the law. a pivotal role in the devolution Commerce. businesses across the world. The SNP’s Chris Harvie Health Secretary and deputy party leader. RUNNERS-UP: Tina McGeever and John process and served as Deputy First “I’m delighted that The was a respected academic in RUNNERS-UP: Alex Salmond (SNP) and John Swinney (SNP). Muir. Minister for six years. Herald established these Germany when he unexpect- awards 10 years ago. Newspa- edly won a seat at Holyrood pers, quite rightly, hold politi- last year. As befits an uncon- cians to account but it is nice ventional politician, he won to know that they can also rec- the Free Spirit award for his ognise their achievements.” colourful interventions on Sir Sean Connery won the issues such as the demise International Scot Award for of small town high streets, ness, the former Scottish tos was named as Public was played to guests. A review congratulate all of our other sponsors over the past decade Their colleagues have championing the cause of which managed to offend the Liberal Democrat leader who Campaign of the Year in rec- of the year in politics was also winners and, of course, the – has enabled the Scottish recently returned from a tour Scotland across the globe and citizens of Lockerbie when he served for six years as Depu- ognition of its achievements shown. nominees in each category. Politician of the Year Awards of duty in Helmand Province, for his charity work at home. called the town a “dump”, and ty First Minister, was given in changing the law to help Charles McGhee, Editor of “The Herald is delighted to to grow in stature to become Afghanistan, where one of the EntrepreneurAnn Gloag and the dress sense of Scottish the Lifetime Achievement those afflicted by asbestos- The Herald, said: “I would like be celebrating the 10th anni- the premier event in the Scot- battalion’s soldiers, Corporal Olympic hero Chris Hoy youngsters, whom he said he Award, sponsored by Dia- related disease. to offer my congratulations to versary of these awards, which tish political calendar.” Barry Dempsey, was killed were also shortlisted for that would prefer to see in knick- geo, for his pivotal role in the Last night’s event was the our Scottish Politician of the were established in 1999 to The pipe band of the Royal by a roadside bomb laid by award, which is in its sec- erbockers than shell suits. devolution project which saw 10th annual Herald Scottish Year, Nicola Sturgeon, whose celebrate the inaugural year Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Taliban insurgents. ond year and is sponsored by Mr Harvie was presented him become the first Liberal Politician of the Year Awards exceptional performance, of the . I Battalion the Royal Regiment Keppie Design. with the award by Rebus since Lloyd George to serve ceremony and during the particularly on the health would also like to thank our of Scotland, performed at last To watch video on The main prize saw a repeat author Ian Rankin. in government. evening a video review of the agenda, was praised by all of sponsors this evening. Their night’s event, opening the this story go to of last year’s shortlist with the Lord Wallace of Tanker- Clydeside Action on Asbes- awards over the past decade the judges. I would also like to support – and that of ourother celebrations. www.theherald.co.uk Sir Sean’s international role is recognised

HE is renowned across the globe as Day in the United States, and he lob- last night’s ceremony, said: “Thank up my Scottish accent in film, I have, the world’s most famous Scotsman bied strongly in support of Glasgow’s you for this honour. It has been one of perhaps inadvertently, been promot- and last night Sir Sean Connery was bid for the Commonwealth Games. my greatest joys to see Scotland walk- ing Scotland all along – when playing recognised back in his home city for Sir Sean, who was knighted in 2000, ing tall in recent years. Lithuanian submarine captains, Eng- his contribution to politics, charity used his fee from Diamonds Are For- “The spirit of the Scottish people lish monks and Irish-American police and the advancement of his nation. ever in 1971 to establish the Scottish – innovation, drive, entrepreneurial- officers. My whole life I have wanted The award of International Scot International Education Trust, which ism, fairness, global responsibility nothing more or less than a Scotland of the Year, sponsored by Keppie offers grants to individual students, and, yes, the sense of independence that rejoins the community of nations apiece of Scottish Design, went to the 78-year-old young scientists, arts organisations or – has long predated the 1997 referen- on an equal basis.” Oscar-winning actor, who has been projects which will contribute to the dum and the 2007 result. And now, I The shortlist also included strongly associated with the SNP cultural, social or economic wellbeing believe our elected officials are start- Scotland’s greatest Olympian, four- Winart worth £4500 over the years. But in 1997, when the of Scotland. He has continued his ing to catch up with that spirit. times gold medallist Chris Hoy, and incoming Labour government held a charitable work down the years. “The work of the Scottish Interna- entrepreneur Ann Gloag, who has referendum on its devolution propos- His film career transcended James tional Education Trust has long been achieved international business suc- The Herald and scotlandart.com galleries are offering one lucky reader the exciting possibility of winning an als, Sir Sean campaigned alongside Bond and he won a Bafta for The an investment in this spirit of opti- cess and has given more than £4m to original piece of art, The Manageress (below), by renowned Scottish artist Alexandra Gardner worth £4500. Six Gordon Brown and Alex Salmond. Name of the Rose in 1986, and an mism by supporting our young peo- the Mercy Ships charity. runners-up will also receive apiece of Scottish art from the following: Rose Street Night Light by Lesley Banks, He was also happy to lend his con- Oscar as best supporting actor oppo- ple. And, like other Scots, I’ve been Mark Beaumont, who broke the siderable international weight to the site Kevin Costner in The Untoucha- happy to play my part in promoting world record earlier this year for Crouch by Donald Macdonald, Waverley Bridge Dusk by Lesley Anne Derks, On The Edge by Patsy McArthur, previous Labour-led Holyrood admin- bles the following year. Scotland abroad. It’s been pointed circumnavigating the world on a bike, Bass Rock by PatKramek and Quiet Session in Bobolovsky’sbyAlexandra Gardner. istration in its efforts to build up Tartan Sir Sean, who was unable to attend out to me that since I’ve never given announced the winner. Alexandra Gardner studied at GlasgowSchool of Art and lectured there until 1988. She has won manyawards and her highly individual paintings encompass awide range of subjects –still life, figure and portrait studies, nudes, landscapes and her hallmark moodybars, diners and barber shops. Asbestos campaigners Lord Wallace’s lifetime of Founded in Glasgowin1999, the scotlandart.com galleries have revolutionised the way thatpeople purchase and experience contemporaryoriginal art. scotlandart’swebsite contains over 1500 original paintings and praised for their work achievement rewarded sculptures which can be bought online or viewed at its galleries in Edinburgh and Glasgow. All works within the collection are originals by arange of British artists. In addition to their unique philosophy,scotlandart.com offers arange of services including free art CAMPAIGNERS seeking political related condition, pleural plaques, to IT may seem strange to give a general-secretary of the Labour consultations at the customer’shome or business, gift vouchers for anyamount, worldwide carriage and change have to be prepared to travel a claim compensation. Lifetime Achievement award to Party in Scotland, Jack McConnell, its popular wedding list facility.The gallery’sstaff welcomes the opportunity to advise customers on long and difficult road, often with lit- The campaigners and their solici- someone who has just turned 54 and and brokered the deal by which the anymatter and customers may take home artwork on approval before making afinal decision. The tle prospect of success. tors, Thompsons, drafted legislation, has not long embarked on a new Scottish Parliament would be elected galleries also offer the Own Art scheme which allows customers to purchase artwork Clydeside Action on Asbestos, the the Damages (Asbestos-related Condi- career, but Lord Wallace has had a by proportional representation. over 10 monthly instalments at 0% finance up to the price of £2000. group formed 23 years ago to tackle tions) (Scotland) Bill, and the bill has profound impact on Scottish politics. After the 1979 referendum campaign, one of the deadliest legacies of Scot- successfully passed through its As Baron Wallace of Tankerness, he stood as LibDem candidate for Ork- scotlandart.com’s galleries are located at 6Burnfield Road, Giffnock, Glasgow, G46 7QB (0141 land’s industrial past, has travelled committee stage and is well on the he has yet to make his full impact on ney, having also secured the deal where- 638 1200), and in Edinburgh at 2StStephen Place, Stockbridge, EH3 5AJ (0131 225 6257). that road but it has also gone on to way to becoming law. the House of Lords, but as plain Jim by Shetland would receive a separate Customers can drop by for atea or coffee and achatand to browse the artwork on the walls achieve incredible successes, and The legal firm said: “This short, Wallace he was a driving force behind MSP. Tavish Scott, MSP for Shetland and galleryscreens which display the entire collection available. The scotlandart.com galleries washonoured last night by being sharp and successful campaign is devolution and, in becoming Deputy and newly-elected leader of the Scot- have abusy exhibition schedule by both new artists and regular galleryexhibitors. named the Public Campaign of the a classic example of a grassroots First Minister of Scotland, he was the tish Liberal Democrats, presented his Year, an award presented by actress organisation using its awareness of first Liberal since Lloyd George to colleague with his award, sponsored by TO ENTER: Gardner Readers must collect 5out of 7differently numbered tokens, which can include one Barbara Rafferty. the impact of legislation on ordi- serve in government. Diageo, last night.

bonus token from the , and answer the set question on the entryform. Alexandra In recent years, the action group nary people to galvanise public and A native of Annan in Dumfriesshire, Mr Wallace led the LibDems into by Tokens will appear daily in The Herald until tomorrow. The bonus token was printed has scored two dramatic legal victo- political support to restore justice to he became an adopted Orcadian when coalition talks with Labour after the in the Sunday Herald tomorrow. The entryform will be published again on on Saturday geress ries. Less than two years ago, members the victims of asbestos exposure.” as a young advocate he succeeded Jo 1999 Holyrood election, becoming November 15. Full terms and conditions can be viewed at www.theherald.co.uk, click on Mana secured an amendment to the Mesothe- The judging panel was also full of Grimond as Liberal MP for Orkney and Deputy First Minister under Donald Terms of Use and then Art Contest Terms and Conditions. The lioma Damages Bill to end the agonis- praise for two other campaigns. John Shetland in 1983, rising to become an Dewar, Henry McLeish, and then ing choice faced by victims forced to Muir raised 16,000 signatures for a employment spokesman and Liberal Mr McConnell, deputising as First See The Herald tomorrowfor Token7 decide between claiming damages for petition demanding tougher laws on Democrat chief whip during 18 years Minister during each change of office. themselves, or waiting so that their knife crime after his son, Damian, was at Westminster. But it was his commit- He served as Justice Minister and then relatives could perhaps secure greater stabbed to death in an unprovoked ment to Home Rule that saw him make Enterprise Minister. compensation after their death. attack on the streets of Greenock. his real mark. He became Scottish Under his leadership, he took the ART Then, in October last year, came Meanwhile, Tina McGeever fought Liberal Democrat leader in 1992 and Liberal Democrats to their highest- Token 6 a bombshell ruling from the House on after the death of her husband for immersed himself in the work of the ever share of the vote in Scotland, of Lords ending the right of those the right of cancer patients to pay for Scottish Constitutional Convention. maintaining 17 seats in the first and diagnosed with another asbestos- top-up drugs within the NHS. He worked there with the then second terms of Holyrood.