Showcasing Scotland Summer Reception and MP Awards

Announcing the 2025 Shortlist: 

Scottish MP of the Year

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In the first year of a new parliamentary term, who has stood out from the rest and achieved tangible benefits for their constituents and for Scotland? 

Shortlist:

• Alistair Carmichael – A political veteran who has been there and done that but has never seemed more at home as he is now as the chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee.
• Brian Leishman – Already made a mark for himself in being willing to stand up for constituents even when it might put him against his party line.
• Michael Shanks – A consistently impressive performer who seems to have taken to his new career like a duck to water. Difficult to remember that he has only been an MP for little more than 18 months.

One to Watch

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With such a large intake of newly elected Scottish MPs, who has quietly made their mark as a political star in the making? 

Shortlist:

• Torcuil Crichton –  A passionate champion of the Highlands and Islands, this new MP doesn’t just bring that much needed representation to the parliament, he brings style, eloquence and a distinctive voice.
• Harriet Cross – A political novice who is already being talked about as a potential leader.
• Angus MacDonald –  A newly elected politician who brings a depth of business experience and energy to the parliament which has already born fruit for constituents.

Speech of the Year

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With so many new MPs making their first contributions, and joining more seasoned political speakers, whose oratory skills have really stood out?

Shortlist:

• Stephen Flynn – A consistently good speaker with not just some stand out speeches such as his WASPI speech but also thinks on his feet in the Chamber and uses humour to best effect.
• Blair McDougall – His Maiden Speech was described by the judges as “exceptional” bringing emotion, humour, sentiment and constituency points in equal measures.
• Katrina Murray – For her speech during the violence against women and girls’ debate. Her speech was deeply moving and personal as it included her experience on a non-physical violent relationship as well as accounts from her constituents.

The Business of Politics

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Which Scottish MP has really impressed with their energy and drive to listen to businesses and help grow the Scottish economy?

Shortlist:

• Alistair Carmichael – As the chair of EFRA select committee, this farmer’s son and husband of a vet has engaged deeply with those in the farming and rural sector at a time when their interests have felt under threat getting to grips with issues as wide ranging as food security to inheritance tax.
• Kirsty McNeill – For her relentless work in promoting Brand Scotland and most specifically promoting the interests of Scottish women in business both at home and abroad.
• Michael Shanks – Few MPs have been as prolific as this one in terms of understanding the sectors he now represents as a minister, spearheading massive changes such as GB Energy, Grangemouth negotiations, and ensuring investment for Scotland in the Spending Review and that has involved business engagement on a massive scale.

Scottish Peer of the Year

Which Scottish peer has impressed with their ability to thoughtfully contribute to political debate and use their unique platform to best effect for Scotland?

Shortlist:

• Lord McFall of Alcluith, John McFall – The veteran politician who in his role as Lord Speaker has opened up the House of Lords with his innovative podcast interviewing prominent peers about what motivates them. He also works tirelessly to ensure good relations between the UK’s various parliaments.
• Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, George Robertson – The former Nato Secretary General was commissioned by the PM to lead on the strategic defence review which was a ‘root and branch’ review and fed into the government’s own defence review. The timing could not have been more prescient as the threats to world peace ramp up.
• Baroness Smith of Cluny, Catherine Smith – Her appointment to the role of Advocate General for Scotland puts three women for the first time into the country’s top legal positions advising the UK and Scottish Governments. Her maiden speech on the rule of law was exemplary and her request, as a mother, to be able to undertake her government role primarily in Scotland to accommodate her parenting demands also signaled a family-friendly, more modern approach.

Braveheart Award

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Which Scottish MP has shamelessly promoted the interests of Scotland above all others and pushed the country up the political agenda?

Shortlist:

• Torcuil Crichton – Unashamedly Scottish but particularly for his work on Harland and Wolff and for promoting the Gaelic language which means media and parliamentary eyes have been pushed far beyond the central belt.
• Dave Doogan – A consistently loud and articulate voice in championing the interests of Scotland above all else.
• Brian Leishman – Few newly elected MPs have achieved quite the same profile as this one for his dogged pursuit of action on Grangemouth which undoubtedly contributed to securing a package of investment from the UK Government and raise the issue beyond party politics.