Tommy Sheridan could go to jail as the 'Scot of the Year'

THE disgraced ex-politician Tommy Sheridan is in the running to be named Scot of the Year - the day before he appears in court facing a jail sentence for perjury.

Sheridan, who was found guilty of the crime last month, was nominated for the prize "for showing his fighting spirit".

The shortlist includes West Lothian singer Susan Boyle, actor Ewan McGregor, golfer Colin Montgomerie and Andy Robinson, who is English but coaches Scotland's rugby squad.

The winner of the contest, run by the London-based charity ScotsCare, will be announced on Burns Night, 25 January. Sheridan, who has vowed to fight his conviction, faces sentencing on 26 January.

Sheridan made the shortlist on the basis of suggestions from supporters of the London-based charity and people the charity helps.

The former MSP proved more popular than nutritionist Gillian McKeith, comedian Kevin Bridges and Turner Prize winner Susan Philipsz - who were all nominated but failed to make the final list.

A spokeswoman for ScotsCare said Susan Boyle had been nominated "for her second number one album on both sides of the Atlantic". Ewan McGregor made the list "for best actor award at the European Film Awards" for The Ghost Writer, and Andy Robinson "for another successful year, including a win over South Africa".

Previous winners of the prize include Gordon Brown and Sir Chris Hoy.

The ScotsCare charity helps Scottish people in London with issues such as employment.