Alex Salmond wins Herald's top politician prize

Alex Salmond won the award for Scottish Politician of the Year

First Minister Alex Salmond has been named Scottish politician of the year at The Herald's annual awards.

The prize was given in recognition of the SNP's victory in May's elections.

Mr Salmond's deputy, Nicola Sturgeon, received the debater of the year award at the ceremony in Edinburgh.

The new Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson was named best newcomer and one of her leadership rivals, Murdo Fraser, was recognised for causing the biggest political impact.

During the leadership contest, Mr Fraser suggested the Tories should form a new centre right party.

Former prime minister Gordon Brown picked up a lifetime achievement award, while the SNP's Angus Robertson was named best Scot at Westminster.

Michael Foxley, the leader of Highlands Council, won local government politician of the year.

The public campaign of the year award was given to the effort to save RAF Lossiemouth, while there was also a posthumous award in the same category for Frank Maguire, campaigning lawyer who died this year.

Joe Quinn, former Scottish political editor of the Press Association, received a lifetime achievement award.

Receiving his award, Mr Salmond - the MSP for Aberdeenshire East - said: "Teamwork is perhaps the most important thing of all, in achieving political success, for a party, a country, a people.

"I'm privileged to lead such a strong team and I'm honoured to be elected first minister and I'm delighted to receive this award."