Holyrood Garden Party & Political Awards 2026

The Holyrood Garden Party and Political Awards is the unmissable fixture in the Scottish political calendar for politicians, their staff, political journalists, the business community, and the public affairs sector, and is a fun opportunity to remind ourselves that cross-party relations aren’t always that cross!

The 2026 Holyrood Garden Party and Political Awards returns to its September slot this year. Held shortly after the MSPs return to parliament from summer recess, it is a nice ‘welcome back’ to parliamentarians and their staff.

The main event will be held as usual in a beautiful marquee in the grounds of Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden. The format will be a pre-dinner drinks reception, tables for dinner, and a sprinkling of political awards and chat throughout – with a tone that takes a more satirical view of how politics is conducted and reported within the Scottish Parliament. Former political adviser turned comedian Matt Forde will once again be MC for the evening and he will be joined by a special guest for a bit of a grilling on all things political and more…

The formal proceedings will be followed by the popular ‘Editor’s Club’ after-party, which will take place in the John Hope Gateway at the Botanic Garden and just a short walk (or stagger) through the gardens from the main event in the marquee and be the setting for an altogether more sublime affair with music, dancing, and ongoing chat. A time to really kick back and relax.

2026 categories:

Lifetime Achievement Award

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Awarded to someone who had dedicated their life to Scottish politics and has managed to cut across party-political boundaries to demonstrate a commitment to public service, statecraft, and the democratic process. Someone woven into Scotland’s political fabric. Not open to nominations.

One to Watch

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Who has caught your attention, is a star in the making, has a way with words, made a mark in the debating chamber or gained a reputation in committee, and is gaining a reputation as the one to watch either from the 2026 intake, or been in the parliament for longer but now really finding their feet?

Political Staffer of the Year

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Someone who works behind the scenes for their MSP and has demonstrated a real commitment to digging that bit deeper, going the extra mile and unearthing facts, figures and human stories that assist politicians in making good policy or in simply changing one person’s life.

Local Champion Award

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Presented to the MSP who has unashamedly championed their own local area, encouraging community cohesion and celebration of all things local. The politician who can spend hours giving you all the local knowledge.

Speech of the Year

This award will go to the MSP who has managed to impress with their ability to articulate their views on an issue with passion, intellect, and emotion. Is open to nominations for one single speech or indeed to an MSP who is consistently a great orator.

Backbencher of the Year

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It takes a certain type of MSP to be able to make their presence felt without the natural platform of a frontbench position. Who has made themselves noticed, gone against a conventional party line or simply put forward a point that forcibly cuts through a lot of party-political rhetoric?

Flushable Motion of the Year

...recognises the most absurd motions, questions, or even points of order to be raised. Truly a bit of fun but with previous winners having celebrated life-sized chocolate dogs, non-winners in the best fish and chip shop awards and even, yes, applauded a best bathroom showroom, this award is just a celebration of ridiculousness.

Best Scot at Westminster

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Is there an MP that stands out for presenting Scotland in the best light, for pushing a Scottish cause and really standing up for their constituents and the nation?

Open All Hours Award

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Which MSP gets your vote for going the extra mile to help their constituents, colleagues and staff, whose door is always open and for whom the words ‘business closed’ never feature?

Powering Change Award

This award will recognise the real powerhouses of the parliament, its committees. Which committee or convenor has helped inspire change through the rigorous gathering of evidence and questioning of witnesses?

Political Hero of the Year

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Sometimes a cause or a campaign inspires a politician or a group of MSPs to cross party lines or to just work tirelessly to do the right thing. Who gained respect from across the chamber for their work in championing a particular cause or for achieving a tangible result.

Business of Politics Award

An MSP who bangs the drum for our small business owners, who champions the cause of industry and who puts the business into politics and makes it work for the country.

The Green Giant Award

The fight against climate raced up the political agenda during the last parliamentary session in Scotland and is now at the fore. Which MSP has really embraced the challenge and made a difference to the environment?

MSP of the Year

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While awards of this nature tend to always be reserved for the party leaders, there are many talented MSPs who sit squarely behind the leader and help their star shine bright… ‘who has really shone?’