Susan Boyle and Gerard Butler fight it out for Scot of the Year

http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Susan-Boyle-and-Gerard-Butler.5926898.jp

Susan Boyle and Gerard Butler fight it out for Scot of the Year

Published Date: 21 December 2009
By Lucy Christie

SINGING sensation Susan Boyle and Hollywood film star Gerard Butler are set to battle it out to win the crown of 2009 Scot of the Year.

The annual search for the best public figure who has boosted Scotland's profile was launched today, with some less likely figures also making the shortlist.

Former House of Commons speaker Michael Martin, who was forced to resign over the expenses
ADVERTISEMENTscandal, received a nomination for "knowing when to go".

Mohammed al-Fayed, owner of the Harrods department store in London, is an unexpected contender after declaring his ambition earlier this year to be the first "president" of an independent Scotland.

The poll is run by charity ScotsCare, who provide help and advice to Scots in London.

Last year's title went to triple gold medal-winning cyclist Chris Hoy, who has also made the 2009 shortlist.

Joining the sportsman are Andy Robinson, coach of the national rugby team, and tennis star Andy Murray.

Completing the list are Prime Minster Gordon Brown, Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, and Scotland's national bard Robert Burns. This year marked the 250th anniversary of Burns' birth.

Britain's Got Talent runner-up Susan Boyle, 48, from Blackburn, is certain to be a strong contender.

The singer's rendition of I Dreamed A Dream on the TV talent contest has been watched more than 120 million times on the internet by people across the world.

Her debut album has shot straight to number one in the charts of six countries.

Paisley-born actor Butler, 40, is appearing on cinema screens alongside Jamie Foxx in Law Abiding Citizen.

ScotsCare's chief executive Willie Docherty said: "We have a diverse range of contenders for this year's Scot of the Year title.

"I look forward to seeing who the public feel has waved the flag for Scotland in the right direction."

LOL! There's a joke in there somewhere, right?

Wait, Susan's only 48?