The hard work and achievements of Scotland's public servants was recognised at The Herald's Scottish Politician of the Year Awards 2023 in association with Scottish Power on Thursday (November 23).
Deputy Scottish Labour leader Dame Jackie Baillie received the main award of the night for her work reviving the party and securing the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by- election victory.
Dame Baillie beat her own boss and 2022 winner Anas Sarwar to the award, as well as current First Minister Humza Yousaf.
Describing it as an "unexpected honour", she said: “The truth is that I could not have done my job without the support of my constituents, my fantastic staff and my boss, Anas Sarwar.
“This has been a year that will go down in the history books - a new first minister, countless political scandals and a by-election that caused a political earthquake.
“We are not complacent but the trend in the polls is very encouraging. The tectonic plates are shifting and Scottish Labour is back in business.
“Change is coming. I promise I will continue to do all I can to stand up for my constituents and deliver that change across our country."
Read more: Dame Jackie Bailie named Scottish Politician of the Year
Also winning awards were Lord John McFall for lifetime achievement, Scottish Secretary Alistair Jack for Best Scot in Westminster, and Michael Marra was singled out as 'one to watch'.
Herald columnist and former BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor received a surprise Herald 240th Anniversary award for his esteemed career in covering Scottish politics.
While Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP claimed The Scottish Power Green Champion award, and SNP rebel Fergus Ewing was named Community MSP of the Year.
Read more: The Scottish Politician of the Year Award winners 2023
Established in 1999, the awards encourage the highest standards of political performance in both Holyrood and Westminster, and bring together the most influential figures in business and politics who will help shape Scotland's future.
The evening started with a champagne and canape reception, followed by a seated three-course dinner and award ceremony, hosted by former STV political editor Bernard Ponsonby.
Here are pictures from behind the scenes at the awards at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh.
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