John Blain has received the Players’ Player of the Year Award at the final event in the Cricket Scotland calendar, the Caledonians Dinner.

Blain, now working in a coaching capacity for Yorkshire, has been one of the leading players for Scotland since his debut in 1996. The award was given for his efforts both on and off the field and in recognition of the respect in which he is held by his team mates.

Blain said: "It is fantastic to be recognised by my team-mates. We are a very close-knit squad and have worked hard collectively this year. Next year is a huge one for us, and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead for us in ’09."

Gavin Hamilton was awarded the HK More International Batsman of the Year.  He scored his maiden ODI hundred in the win against Ireland, and played a superb innings of 60 in very difficult conditions in the historic match against England, raising his overall ODI average to 35.

With 165 caps for his country, the tall figure of Colin Smith has been an ever present for the side since his debut in 1999, and he was rewarded by becoming the Lloyds TSB Scotland All Rounder of the Year.  In 2008, he scored 478 runs at an average of 25, as well as taking 34 catches and four stumpings.
 
The Lloyds TSB Scotland Bowler of the Year was Dewald Nel.  In all forms of the game during 2008, Nel took 42 wickets at an average of 16, and formed a very effective opening partnership with John Blain.
 
Roddy Smith, chief executive of Cricket Scotland, said: "2008 has been a particularly busy season for our players. Scotland qualified for next summer’s ICC World T20 Championships in England, defeated Lancashire in the Friends Provident Trophy and travelled to play first-class cricket in Namibia, Canada and Bermuda. 

"As we look to next season, the players have lots of challenges ahead. The Lloyds TSB Scotland squad has started pre-season training before the team travels to South Africa for the World Cup qualifying event in April. Then the home season gets underway with the Friends Provident campaign , the World T20 in June and the match against the world champions Australia, to be held in Edinburgh on August 28."