Hannah Mary Goodlad named ‘one to watch’ at Holyrood awards

SHETLAND’S MSP has been named “one to watch” in Holyrood at an awards ceremony this week.

Hannah Mary Goodlad won the award at the Holyrood magazine’s political awards on Thursday, beating fellow MSPs Joe Fagan and Jenny Young.

Goodlad, who became Shetland’s first ever SNP MSP in May, was praised by the judges for running an impressive and very local campaign before immediately stepping into the public finance minister role.

Her collaborative cross-party approach was also recognised.

Holyrood magazine said the one to watch award was regularly given to the politicians who had caught the attention in the Scottish Parliament or were a “star in the making”.

Goodlad said she was “hugely honoured” to receive the award on Thursday night.

However she said the real “one to watch” was “Shetland itself”, adding it had “an increasingly key role to play in Scotland’s national story.”

First minister John Swinney was named MSP of the year at the ceremony on Thursday night.

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He was recognised for reuniting the SNP during a turbulent period in its history and leading the party to its fifth straight election victory.

Holyrood managing director Mandy Rhodes: “The Holyrood Garden Party and Political Awards has long been a highlight of the Scottish political calendar and this year’s event was no different.

“The judges recognised first minister John Swinney for the huge impact he has had on turning his party around since taking up the reins in 2024.

“But there was also a recognition of the talent across the parties and across the parliament, with a number of new MSPs having already caught the eye.”

Meanwhile the award is cause for double celebration for Goodlad, who is also launching a new book today (Friday).

Saunaland: Scotland’s Wild Sauna Culture is being released by publishers Birlinn, and is described as being a “love story” about sauna culture in Scotland and further afield.

Goodlad helped launch the Haar Sauna business in Shetland with her partner Callum Scott, before leaving to run her political campaign.