Tommy Sheridan nominated for Scot of the Year

By Graham Fraser
Nominated: Could Tommy Sheridan, pictured with his wife Gail, be named Scot of the Year?© Deadline

Convicted perjurer Tommy Sheridan has been named on a shortlist for this year’s Scot of the Year "for showing his fighting spirit".

Despite being convicted last month of lying during his successful defamation case against the News of the World newspaper over allegations he had visited a Manchester sex club, Sheridan joins singer Susan Boyle, actor Ewan McGregor, rugby coach Andy Robinson and winning Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie on the list.

The winner of the contest, run by the London-based charity ScotsCare, will be announced ahead of Burns Night on January 25.

Sheridan was named as one of 12 original finalists of the annual contest at the beginning of December while his trial was ongoing. He made the shortlist after suggestions from supporters of the charity and people who the charity helps.

Now, the former Scottish Socialist Party leader - after attracting votes - has been named in the top five, beating seven other celebrities.

The late fashion designer Alexander McQueen, TV personality Gillian McKeith, Commonwealth gold-winning swimmer Hannah Miley, tennis player Elena Baltacha, comedian Kevin Bridges, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Turner prize-winner Susan Philipsz all polled less votes than the disgraced former MSP.

ScotsCare help Scottish people in the London area with issues such as employment. The group also assist elderly people and the homeless, and hold regular lunches and events to build a ‘Scottish community’ in one of the world’s largest cities.

Last year’s winner of the Scot of the Year contest was actor Gerard Butler, while previous winners include Gordon Brown and Sir Chris Hoy.

Following his conviction at the High Court in Glasgow last month, judge Lord Bracadale told the former MSP to expect a prison term. He will be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on January 26.

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