A charity helping disadvantaged children is to benefit from money donated in memory of award-winning journalist Neil MacPhail.
Neil, who died aged 76 in November 2024, had a career in newspapers spanning almost six decades.
A former north news editor for the Press & Journal, he latterly worked part-time for the Inverness Courier and was due to be working on the day he died.
He was the unanimous choice for the title of Diageo Journalist of the Year at the annual Highlands and Islands Media Awards in February.
His son Calum and daughter Lindsey collected the posthumous honour at the Highlands and Islands Press Ball.
They decided to donate the £500 cash part of the prize to one of Neil’s favourite charities, MFR Cash for Kids, which helps children and young people across Moray, the Highlands and Aberdeenshire.
Lindsey said: “It was an honour to collect the award on behalf of our dad and we are grateful to the panel for this fitting tribute.”
Lauren MacInnes, charity executive at Cash for Kids, said: “We are so grateful to have been chosen by Neil’s family to receive a donation.
“This money will help us support families with basic essentials such as food and clothing throughout the school summer holidays.”
Neil started his career in 1968 as a trainee reporter with the Evening Express and Press and Journal, initially working in Aberdeen.
As part of his training, he spent six months working in the district office at Inverness, and was based in the Highlands thereafter.
He had two spells as a freelance journalist and a further two stints with the Press and Journal.
While north news editor at the P&J he was honoured by his peers with the Barron Trophy, the award given annually to a journalist who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.
He later took up a part-time role with the Highland News and then the Inverness Courier.
At the time of his passing he was the longest serving journalist in the area.
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