ANDY MURRAY added another accolade to his Wimbledon and Olympic crowns this year when he was named the 2016 Scottish Sportsperson of the Year at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards in Edinburgh last night.

With more than 50 Scottish Olympians and Paralympians from the recent Games in Rio in attendance, the evening was a star-studded celebration of their outstanding achievements as well as the successes of individuals, schools, clubs and teams across the whole of Scottish sport.

It is the third time Murray has lifted the Emirates Lonsdale Trophy, first taking the title jointly with Sir Chris Hoy in 2012 after London Olympic gold and claiming the title outright the following year after his first Wimbledon title.

His third triumph comes in a year which saw a repeat of both those achievements, along with a record fifth Queen’s Club title and other notable firsts, including becoming the first British man to reach the French Open final since 1937.

Indeed it was a special night for tennis, with Britain’s Davis Cup Team named Team of the Year, and Gordon Reid Para-sport Athlete of the Year, following a first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, Wimbledon singles and doubles titles and Paralympic gold and silver.

“It has been a fantastic season for me winning Wimbledon and retaining my Olympic title," Murray said. "I am delighted to be awarded the 2016 Scottish Sportsperson of the Year Award for the third time, particularly given all the incredible performances by other Scots this year.”

Heather Stanning’s five-year winning streak in the coxless pairs, culminating in a second Olympic gold in Rio with Helen Glover, gave her the nod for Female Athlete of the Year ahead of fellow rower Katherine Grainger and cyclist Katie Archibald, while Grainger’s outstanding achievements over a long and illustrious career were also recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Just beginning her career at 16 years old, triple Paralympic medallist in athletics, Maria Lyle, took the Sir Peter Heatly Trophy for the Young Athlete of the Year.

One of the most eagerly anticipated results of the night was Sporting Moment of the Year, after thousands cast their vote in an online poll, and it was Hibernian’s last-minute winner to lift the Scottish Cup after a 114-year wait.

Alongside the achievements of Scotland’s top athletes and teams, the individuals and organisations driving this success were also honoured. Ben Higson and Steven Tigg jointly took Coach of the Year in recognition of the phenomenal success of their group of University of Stirling swimmers, while the late Richard Thomas was named Sports Leader of the Year, his input at Boxing Scotland, prior to his sudden passing in March, leading to a complete renaissance in the sport.

Paul Bush OBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “These Awards in their new format have been a resounding success as we celebrate what has been a truly outstanding year for Scottish sport. The phenomenal achievements of 2016 auger well as we look ahead to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 18 months’ time, where many of these athletes will go for gold for Team Scotland.

“A huge thank you to our sponsors, whose support has made this fantastic event possible and enables us to properly recognise the achievements of the individuals, teams and organisations that help to put Scotland on the sporting map.”

Award Winners

Scottish Sportsperson of the Year – Emirates Lonsdale Trophy

Andy Murray OBE, Tennis

Male Athlete of the Year – sponsored by Commonwealth Games Scotland

Andy Murray OBE, Tennis

Female Athlete of the Year – sponsored by EDF Energy

Heather Stanning MBE, Rowing

Para-Sport Athlete of the Year – sponsored by CGI

Gordon Reid, Wheelchair Tennis

Team of the Year – sponsored by PSL / Canterbury

GB Davis Cup Team, Tennis

Coach of the Year – sponsored by University of Stirling

Ben Higson & Steven Tigg, Swimming

Sporting Moment of the Year – sponsored by The Scottish Sun

Hibs score last minute goal to end 114 year wait for a Scottish Cup title - Football

Young Athlete of the Year – sponsored by EDF Energy

Maria Lyle, Para-Athletics

Sports Leader of the Year – sponsored by Brand Oath

Richard Thomas, Boxing

Governing Body of the Year – sponsored by Bluefin Sport

Scottish Athletics

Community Hub, Club or School of the Year – sponsored by sportscotland

Aviemore Community Sports Hub

Legacy 2014 Award – sponsored by Legacy 2014

SDS Disability Inclusion Training

Lifetime Achievement – sponsored by Commonwealth Games Scotland

Katherine Grainger CBE, Rowing

Team Scot of the Year – sponsored by European Championships 2018

Steph Inglis, Judo