The Northern Scot's Moray Maternity campaign shortlisted for Making a Difference Award

THE Northern Scot has been shortlisted for the 2023 Making a Difference Award for our Moray Maternity campaign.

We have long been a supporter of maternity services in Moray and continue to campaign for their full restoration after the downgrade at Dr Gray's Hospital five years ago.

The majority of Moray women are now forced to travel to Aberdeen, a journey of over 60 miles sometimes in treacherous conditions, to give birth.

Over that time, we have continued to give support to local community action group Keep MUM and have ensured that Moray mums' voices are heard.

However, this year has been significant. Not only does 2023 mark half a decade since the "temporary downgrade" of services in the region, but it is also the year where the Scottish Government has announced its plans to fully restore them.

With that being targeted for 2026, and with campaigners casting doubts on whether this will be achieved, The Scot will continue to keep up the pressure to maintain this promise.

Our work this year highlighting the continued plight of Moray women has now been showcased alongside other powerful campaigns from across the UK.

Now, we are asking our readers for help by voting for us for best local campaign.

Running during the industry’s Journalism Matters campaign, the Making a Difference public vote will go live at 9:30am on October 30 and close at 5pm on November 1.

Details on how to vote will be provided nearer the time.

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