AIRDRIE'S MSP has been rewarded for his great gift of the gab after being crowned the debater in Holyrood’s history.
In a fitting way to mark the end of his time as an MSP next year, Alex Neil scooped The Herald’s finest ever Donald Dewar Debater honour for his “instinct for intervention, rebuttal and riding the ebb and flow of debates”.
The politician was also recognised for being “no slouch at one-liners” and “thoughtful, mischievous, and always worth listening to”.
Judges added that Mr Neil “will be sorely missed when he steps down”.
The paper decided to honour the best of the best from the past 21 years of the Scottish Parliament after Covid-19 forced the cancellation of its traditional annual Politician of the Year Awards.
Mr Neil beat powerful voices including former First Minister Alex Salmond and firebrand Tommy Sheridan to his prestigious accolade.
The Airdrie MSP said: “I am very honoured to receive this award.
“It is very humbling, and a lovely way to begin the start of the countdown towards the end of my time as an MSP.
“I have a lot of respect and admiration for the other MSPs who were in the running for this award, so to come out on top was really something special.
“I would like to thank the judges for voting for me.”
