Four charities are to benefit from the 37th annual edition of the Highlands and Islands Press Ball and Media Awards.

The event at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness attracted a record attendance of nearly 260 media representatives, politicians and heads of public and private organisations.

The ball is the only event that brings together industry colleagues from across a huge and dispersed region.

Journalists from Shetland to Argyll and from Moray to the Outer Hebrides serving print, broadcast and online media were all in attendance.

The event raised £3,400 which will benefit four local charities – Centred Scotland, Parkinson’s UK Scotland, Nairn Beach Wheelchairs and Held in Our Hearts.

The ball has now raised nearly £135,000 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.”

Principal sponsor of the evening was Diageo, with additional support from Statkraft, Chivas Brothers, the National Union of Journalists, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Hub North Scotland, Kane Partners, DP Digital Media, Highland Tourism CIC – incorporating Highland Tourism & Highland Renewables – Inverness Chamber of Commerce, Caledonian MacBrayne, SafeKab, Sarens PSG and Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

We are extremely grateful to everyone who attended the event, our sponsors for their valuable support and to all those who contributed to our charity fundraising activities.