Politician misses out on national award

Dec 14 2012 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post

An Ayrshire politician narrowly missed out after making the shortlist for a national award.

Chic Brodie, list MSP for the South of Scotland region, was nominated as Politician of the Year.

But his category, which included Britain’s business secretary Vince Cable, was won by Highlands’ MSP Rob Gibson.

Prizes were being dished out during the 11th annual Scottish Green Energy Awards, highlighting the success of the renewables industry.

In a keynote speech, Mr Cable told the 1000-strong audience in Edinburgh: “The UK is a world leader in green energy, and Scotland is at the heart of this.

“From the work in the Orkneys on tidal wave energy to the new catapult centre in Glasgow, Scotland’s renewable energy industry is a vital part of the UK’s energy sector.

“The industry supports thousands of jobs and investment is on track to top £1 billion in 2012.”

SNP Mr Brodie, a supporter of renewables issues, made the awards shortlist along with Mr Cable, Mr Gibson, Ed Davey and Liam McCarthur.