Lyon County Sheriff Al McNeil received the Silver Thistle Award Saturday, after being named the 2018 “Scot of the Year” by the Nevada Society of Scottish Clans at its 37th annual Robert Burns Celebration at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno with nearly 500 in attendance.. The Nevada Society of Scottish Clans annually presents the Silver Thistle Award to recognize Americans of Scottish ancestry as the “Scot of the Year” for their outstanding service and significant contributions to the people and communities of Northern Nevada or Northeast California.