Boyack makes shortlist for green awards' Best Politician

EDINBURGH Central Labour MSP Sarah Boyack is in the running to win an award for her commitment to renewable energy.

The former Transport and Environment Minister, now convener of the Scottish Parliament's environment and rural development committee, is on the shortlist for the Best Politician award at the prestigious Green Energy Awards 2005.

Other contenders include SNP energy spokesman Richard Lochhead and the entire Western Isles Council.

The awards, organised by Scottish Renewables, the forum for Scotland's renewable energy industry, are sponsored by the British Wind Energy Association to recognise the achievements of politicians working to support renewable energy in Scotland. Previous winners include Lothians Green MSP Robin Harper.

The ceremony is due to be held at the Royal Museum in Edinburgh on December 8.

Maf Smith, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said: "Politicians at every level of government can make a real difference in an energy policy that tackles climate change. The Green Energy Awards celebrate the efforts of those elected members."