Today, at SNP Conference, Michael Rann, Premier of South Australia, announced that Alex Salmond was the winner of this year’s international climate change award.

The award which is given jointly by the Climate Group and the South Australian Government recognises the First Minister’s leadership on climate change in Scotland.  A video message from Premier Rann was played to delegates at conference just before the First Minister’s speech today.

In it, Premier Rann highlighted Alex Salmond’s outstanding leadership on climate change issues and stated that Scotland provides an example to the rest of the world.

Its first ever winner was Arnold Schwarzenegger, then Governor of California;  in its second year, the award was made to Jean Chavez, Premier of Quebec.  Alex Salmond is the third ever winner of the prestigious prize.