ALEX SALMOND has won The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year award for the third time as he prepares for the final ten months of campaigning in the independence referendum.
The First Minister picked up the prestigious prize in a ceremony attended by leading MSPs and MPs from across the political spectrum at Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh.
Mr Salmond, whose date with destiny is on September 18, 2014, when the nation goes to the polls, first won the accolade in 2007 shortly after the SNP seized power with a minority government. He repeated the achievement in 2011 when the party secured overall control at Holyrood.
There was also a lifetime achievement award for veteran Nationalist Sir George Reid, who is recovering from surgery for bladder cancer. Since retiring from Holyrood after a term as Presiding Officer Sir George has remained active in public life.
The former journalist said he was honoured to receive the award.
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