Sturgeon leads the charge to be named top Scots politician

Ms Sturgeon has enjoyed a remarkable year. After defeat in the referendum she has nonetheless seized the political initiative, pushing for devo-max and rising to lead the Scottish Government and a party energised by the independence campaign.

The Politician of the Year award is open only to MSPs.

Ms Davidson has emerged as a key figure in Scottish politics in 2014, performing strongly in the Holyrood chamber and impressing in the referendum campaign.

The judging panel, chaired by Herald editor Magnus Llewellin, felt Green Mr Harvie also shone as he articulated an alternative vision of an independent Scotland in the run-up to the vote.

The shortlist in the category honouring the best of Scotland's MPs was also influenced by the referendum campaign.

The Best Scot at Westminster award will be contested by Gordon Brown, who intervened passionately in the latter stages of the independence debate, Better Together leader Alistair Darling, and Anne Begg, the Labour MP who worked tirelessly to hold the UK Government to account over welfare reforms.

The Herald unveils the full shortlist today.

The nine categories include two new awards for 2014: ­Committee MSP of the Year, recognising those who have made an impact in Holyrood's committees, and Community MSP of the Year, marking exceptional constituency or regional work.

A special Judges' Award will be announced during the ceremony at Edinburgh's Prestonfield hotel on November 20.

First Minister Alex Salmond, last year's main winner, is in the running to be named Donald Dewar Debater of the Year.

Murdo Fraser, the Scottish Conservatives' enterprise ­spokesman, is nominated in three categories, including E-politician of the Year, after his wit on Twitter impressed.

Among those shortlisted in the Public Campaigner of the Year category, based on nominations from the public, were Barnardo's Scotland and Aberlour Childcare Trust, whose efforts have transformed support for young people leaving care.

Also in the running is Gordon Aikman, who launched Gordon's Fightback and raised more than £90,000 for motor neurone disease research after he was diagnosed with MND.

Alistair Darling and Alex Salmond both took the ice bucket challenge after Mr Aikman urged them to endure a soaking.

The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year Awards sponsors congratulated all those who made the shortlist.

A spokesman for Scottish Power Renewables, which sponsors Committee MSP of the Year, said: "Once again the judges have selected a group who have made a significant contribution, and particularly those in the committee member of the year category, which we are proud to support."

Patrick McGuire of Thompsons Solicitors, which sponsors Public Campaigner of the Year, said: "Yet again the quality of those nominated for the award is of the highest standard."

Virgin Trains sponsors Best Scot at Westminster. Gary Iddon, the firm's Anglo-Scottish services' general manager, said: "This has been a pivotal year in Scotland's history, and the level of public and political debate has reflected that."

A spokesman for the Improvement Service, which sponsors Scottish Local ­Politician of the Year, said: "The nominees have consistently demonstrated their commitment to making a difference to local communities in the most austere of times."

Stephen Park Brown, managing director of NVT Group, ­sponsor of Debater of the Year, said: "We are proud to be associated with The Herald Politician of the Year Awards, especially considering the standing of this year's nominees and the contribution they made during what has been a year like no other." Ken Barclay, RBS Chairman Scotland, said: "RBS is delighted to continue our support for The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year awards and particularly the Politics in Business category."

l The awards take place on Thursday, November 20, at Prestonfield, Edinburgh. For more information please visit www.herald-events.com/politicianawards/ or contact Claire Reid on 0141 302 7319.