Highly respected journalist Chris Saunderson has been named the recipient of the 2026 Barron Trophy, one of the top honours at the Highlands and Islands Media Awards, recognising an outstanding lifetime contribution to journalism across the region.

Chris will receive the prestigious award at the annual Highlands and Islands Press Ball and Media Awards, to be held at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, on Friday 6 February.

The Barron Trophy celebrates individuals who have made an exceptional and lasting impact on journalism in the Highlands and Islands. Chris’s career spans 36 years, marked by strong editorial leadership, a deep commitment to local communities and a passion for public-interest journalism.

Born and raised in Dumfries, Chris began his career aged just 16, working on a typewriter at his local newspaper, the Dumfries and Galloway Standard. After studying at Napier College in Edinburgh, he worked at the Northumberland Gazette and the Galloway News before moving north to Moray in 1994, when he was in his mid-20s.

Chris went on to spend three decades working in journalism in Moray, holding several senior editorial roles. He stepped away from the profession in August 2024, having most recently served as joint content editor at The Northern Scot and its sister titles alongside Joe Millican.

Throughout his career, Chris was known for his extraordinary commitment to the communities he served. He led major campaigns including the long-running push for an Elgin bypass, helped raise £130,000 for a children’s ward at Dr Gray’s Hospital, and spearheaded The Northern Scot’s award-winning campaign to save RAF Lossiemouth.

His reporting on the proposed closure of the Moray RAF base saw him named Journalist of the Year at the Highlands and Islands Media Awards in 2011, while The Northern Scot was awarded Newspaper of the Year.

Chris also played a central role in The Northern Scot’s Christmas Toy and Food Appeal, at times running it almost single-handedly. Beyond the newsroom, he took part in Elgin’s Marafun event for a decade and has continued his community involvement since retiring.

He is currently involved with Elgin City Football Club, Elgin Rotary, Borough Briggs Banter and Moray Mental Health FC. The latter two are football-based support groups that encourage open conversations about mental health – an issue Chris has strongly championed in recent years. In the year he retired, he also authored a book reflecting on mental health alongside wider life experiences.

Nicola McAlley, Chair of the Highlands and Islands Media Awards, said: “Chris Saunderson is a thoroughly worthy recipient of the Barron Trophy. His career exemplifies the very best of local journalism – principled, community-focused, and deeply rooted in the places he served. His impact has been felt not only in newsrooms, but across the communities of Moray and beyond.”

Chris was nominated for the award by Jonny Clark, News Editor at The Northern Scot, who said: “Chris was a great editor, but also as kind an editor as you could hope to work for. His happiness and positive spirit will always be missed at the Scot. For many years, he really was the face of the newspaper. Winning this award is recognition of many years of hard, community-focused work.”

Mike Collins, former Editor of The Northern Scot, added: “In more than 40 years in newspapers, I seldom came across a more complete journalist than Chris Saunderson. He had a sharp news sense and an incredible work ethic, but what really set him apart was his genuine interest in people and their stories, and the trust he earned within the community. From major investigations to everyday local life, Chris always delivered thoughtful, compelling journalism. The Barron Trophy is thoroughly deserved recognition of a remarkable career and a legacy that shows local journalism at its very best.”

The Highlands and Islands Media Awards celebrate excellence in journalism across print, digital and broadcast media, recognising the individuals and organisations shaping the region’s media landscape.