We’re proud to celebrate the talent, commitment, and creativity of journalists, photographers, and broadcasters who serve one of Scotland’s most distinctive and diverse regions.

Entries are now open for the Highlands & Islands Media Awards 2026.

We’re looking for original, high-quality journalism that informs, inspires, and connects communities across the Highlands and Islands.

Winners will be announced at the Highlands & Islands Press Ball and Media Awards on Friday, 6 February 2026, at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.

Who Can Enter

We welcome entries from all journalists, photographers, editors, and broadcasters producing journalism for audiences in the Highlands and Islands – across print, online, radio, television, or digital platforms, including podcasts (new this year!).

To be eligible, entrants must live and work in the Highlands & Islands and report on stories based within the region.

Work must have been published or broadcast between 30 November 2024 and 28 November 2026.

You may enter multiple categories, but each category requires a separate entry – and you must not submit the same pieces of work more than once.

Key Dates

How to Enter

We’re excited to launch a new, streamlined online entry system for this year’s Awards – you can enter on your mobile device or laptop/desktop.
Simply click the link or scan the QR code to access the entry form – it’s fast, secure, and designed to make submitting your work easier than ever.

Click here: https://13et50egmom.typeform.com/hipbma

Or, scan the following QR code

Before you start:

1. Prepare up to one, two, three or four examples of your work, depending on what category you enter. Please keep file sizes below 10MB and compress files if necessary.
2. Take a suitable portrait photo for use in shortlisted profiles and presentations.
3. For any issues, contact Suzanne Kane at 07472 107550 or skane@kanepartners.co.uk

How to Win
Our judges will look for:

• Originality and strength of story idea
• Accuracy, fairness, and journalistic integrity
• Quality of writing, presentation, or production
• Impact and relevance to audiences in the Highlands and Islands
• Creativity and innovation in approach

Award Categories

Gaelic Reporter of the Year (sponsored by Bòrd na Gàidhlig)
We’re celebrating outstanding journalism in Gaelic, in any format.
Submit one example of work.

Photographer of the Year
We’re recognising creativity and technical excellence in news, sport, or feature photography.
Submit four published images (reduced from six in previous years).

Business Reporter of the Year (sponsored by Inverness Chamber of Commerce)
We’re seeking insightful coverage of business, enterprise, and economic issues that shape life across the region.
Submit three examples of work.

Environment and Sustainability Reporter of the Year (sponsored by Highland CIC – incorporating Highland Tourism & Highland Renewables)
We’re celebrating journalism that deepens public understanding of climate, nature, renewable energy, and sustainability through investigation, storytelling, or analysis.
Submit three examples of work.

Podcast of the Year – New Category
We’re recognising excellence in podcast journalism – from news and storytelling to interviews or features. Judges will consider originality, production quality, and audience connection.
Submit up to two full episodes or edited highlights.

Sport Reporter of the Year & Bill McAllister Memorial Trophy
We’re looking for exceptional coverage of sport at any level across the Highlands and Islands, demonstrating quality, accuracy, and range.
Submit three examples of work.

Young Reporter of the Year & Alex Main Memorial Trophy
We’re celebrating journalists aged 25 or under on 1 December 2025 who show originality, initiative, and community connection.
Submit three examples of work.

Reporter of the Year & Jim Love Memorial Trophy
We’re looking for journalists demonstrating exceptional newsgathering, accuracy, and impact.
Submit three examples of work.

Best Feature of the Year
We’re recognising storytelling skill, depth, and originality across any subject or platform in long-form style.
Submit three examples of work.

Community Newspaper of the Year (sponsored by Hub North Scotland)
We’re celebrating excellence in community journalism. Open to all community newspapers or newsletters published within the Highlands and Islands. Submit three issues or digital equivalents.
Submit three examples of work.

Newspaper of the Year
We’re looking for editorial excellence, presentation, and service to readers across the region.
Submit three examples of work (Please keep file sizes below 10MB and compress files if necessary).

Website of the Year
We’re looking for websites that blend strong local storytelling with innovative digital journalism. Judges want to see engaging platforms with a seamless user experience, thoughtful design, and a clear sense of community.
Entries should show how multimedia elements – video, audio, and data – enhance storytelling and make content more engaging. The winning site will be dynamic, distinctive, and deeply connected to its readers.
Please provide three URLs showcasing your organisation’s online journalism. These should show how stories can be published and developed online, without waiting for a scheduled print or broadcast release. We’re looking for examples that demonstrate immediacy, audience engagement, and the creative use of digital storytelling tools.

Campaign of the Year
We’re looking for campaigns that make a real difference in their communities. Judges want to see entries that are impactful, solutions-focused, and human-centred, with clear evidence of success and strong community engagement.
The winning campaign will demonstrate the power of media to inform, inspire, and create positive change.
Submit three examples of work.

The Barron Trophy
We’re recognising a lifetime of achievement in journalism across the Highlands and Islands.
Submit a short commendation (maximum 300 words) to Awards Chair Nicola McAlley at nicola.mcalley@hotmail.com.

The Diageo Journalist of the Year
Chosen by the judges from across all category winners. No separate entry required.

Your Key Contacts

Awards Enquiries:
Suzanne Kane 07472 107550, or skane@kanepartners.co.uk

 Press Ball Enquiries:
John Ross 07813 400570, or johnrossinverness@outlook.com

Venue: Kingsmills Hotel 01463 237166