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I was beyond thrilled to be out with The Herald team this week for the 45th Scottish Press Awards.
An annual event designed to celebrate the professionalism, hard work, innovation and dedication on display in newsrooms across the country, it saw hundreds of journalists, and those linked with our industry, gather for an evening in Glasgow.
The Herald was nominated an impressive 22 times across the various categories, having faced gruelling competition in a shortlisting process that went on behind the scenes for many months, involving editors, industry voices and communication professionals.
It was fantastic to see our very talented Neil Mackay recognised for his work by picking up Feature Writer of the Year. Mackay offers a wealth of pieces to The Herald every week, with a depth and variety that is valued by our readers and clearly impressed the judges too. His work on historic abuse within Scotland’s private schools was singled out as an example of his excellence. Neil was also runner-up in the Arts and Entertainment Journalist of the Year category. A massive well done.
Last summer, with a phenomenal print front page that delivered us worldwide attention in the arts scene, The Herald broke the news that the elusive rebel artist Banksy was to bring a show to Scotland.
A tight run operation (shrouded in much-needed secrecy), our team led by Deputy Head of Content Deborah Anderson produced a fantastic body of work across digital and print to not only deliver the exclusive but a first-look at the exhibition, fan reaction, the impact such a huge event meant to Glasgow, and so much more.
It was true teamwork – with results in sales and engagement – and I was delighted to therefore see The Herald recognised for this by coming runner-up in a fierce Journalism Team of The Year category.
This week, writer Vicky Allan has been at the helm of our consumer-led series, Heat pumps: myths, truths and costs, delivering a package of content to answer the public’s questions about this much talked about alternative heat source. As Scotland is encouraged to transition to green, how will there be maximum buy-in from people if they are not armed with the full information? Allan has delivered a comprehensive body of engaging question-led content with fantastic videos from Scots across the country who have already made the move to heat pumps. A talented expert in her field, Allan was announced runner-up in the Specialist Reporter category.
Also having their work recognised was the immensely talented Susan Egelstaff and Ron Mackenna who were both runners-up in their categories: Sports Feature Writer and Food and Drink Writer. Each week they deliver the finest of writing, offering variety and insight and are firm favourites with our readers. Well done to them.
I am proud of my team every day and have the privilege of seeing, first hand, the drive and determination they give to make sure our readers are served with the quality and trusted journalism they expect. Well done to them all and thank you for your support.
Thank you,
Catherine Salmond,
Editor
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