Moray’s The Northern Scot named Newspaper of the Year at Highlands and Islands Press Awards 2025
The Northern Scot has been named Newspaper of the Year at the Highlands and Islands Press Awards.
Moray’s newspaper was described by judges as “a trusted voice for its community”, with the panel describing the newspaper as “crammed” with “well-presented content”.
There were two more reasons to celebrate for the Scot team, as Daniel Forsyth was named Photographer of the Year for the second time and Lewis McBlane scooped the prestigious Reporter of the Year title.
The awards were held in front of a packed-out audience of 260 at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on Friday night, presented by STV reporter Nicola McAlley.
“The Newspaper of the year boasted a strong year of impactful storytelling, crammed with content, and all well presented,” she told the room.
“It gets to the core of local issues, and is a trusted voice for its community, highlighting the things that matter the most to the readers and the region it represents.
“It is a paper that oozes confidence in service to its patch.”
Former Forres Academy pupil Lewis McBlane was named Reporter of the Year (the Jim Love Memorial Awards) - his writing described as “classy and conscientious”.
“A series of front pages included an exclusive on how the dualling timetable of the A96 was dropped, a controversial Save Our Surgeries spat and another exclusive on a data breach by Moray Council,” the crowd was told.
“His writing gets to the heart of local matters and brings the issues that matter to light. His writing is classy, crisp and conscientious.”
Possibly the Scot’s most recognisable face, Daniel Forsyth was crowned Photographer of the Year for the second time.
He was described by judges as “a consistent performer”.
“This year’s best entry had a good mix of news related subjects catching the eye of the judges,” the audience was told.
“In particular, the image of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, clearly enjoying a dram.”
The Northern Scot’s sister title The Inverness Courier was named Website of the Year.
Feature Writer of the Year - which Scot reporter Alistair Whitfield was nominated for - went to the Courier’s Val Sweeney, while former Courier reporter Annabelle Gauntlett was crowned Young Reporter of the Year aged just 21.
Elsewhere, there was also an emotional win for the late, great Inverness Courier and Press & Journal reporter Neil MacPhail, who sadly passed away in November, and was named Diageo Journalist of the Year in honour of his five decades of fine work within the industry.
Former BBC and MFR journalist Jackie O’Brien received this year’s Barron Trophy.
Fios was named Community Newspaper of the Year, Peter Ranscombe of the Press & Journal won the Business Award, the West Highland Free Press' John White secured the Environment and Sustainability honour, Shona MacDonald of the BBC was named Gaelic Writer of the Year, Eric MacKinnon of the Stornoway Gazette was named Sports Reporter of the Year, and the West Highland Free Press received the Campaign of the Year title.
The ball has now raised nearly £125,000 for good causes, with all the money staying in the Highlands and Islands.
Ball chairman John Ross said: “We are delighted the Press Ball continues to bring together colleagues from across the area where they are an essential part of local communities.
“Our charity fundraising is also a vital part of the occasion, and we are extremely pleased to be able to contribute in a small way to some fantastic local causes.”
