Antony Beevor took the prize two years ago for Stalingrad, while last year it went to biographer David Cairns for Berlioz: Servitude and Greatness.

BBC: political editor Andrew Marr

David Cairns' interests include football, cinema and US history.

BBC: Profile: David Cairns

Soon after, Scotland Office minister David Cairns resigned.

BBC: Political review 2008: Labour

Mr Cairns confirmed to BBC Wales' Parliamentary Correspondent David Cornock on Monday evening that he had signed the amendment.

BBC: Vale of Glamorgan MP Alun Cairns joins Europe vote 'rebels'

David Roberts, Matthew Walker, Jody Cundy, Sarah Bailey, Dervis Konuralp and Kenny Cairns missed out in their finals.

BBC: Anderson claims third gold

However, Cairns finally broke the deadlock, going over after a one-two with Visser drew two defenders with David Blair converting.

BBC: Edinburgh 33-17 Ospreys