Neil MacPhail, whoses career spanned fifty years, has been named Diageo Journalist of the Year at the annual Highlands and Islands Media Awards.
Media Awards chairperson, Nicola McAlley, said: “The judges were unanimous in their decision that Journalist of the Year should be Neil. He has been described as a master of his trade. When it comes to being a journalist, his career span has been pretty unparallelled – clocking up fifty years at the coalface, covering all the big stories right across the Highlands. A legend, one in a million, excellent and much respected.
“For those who attend the Press Ball every February, there was one familiar face missing among us. Neil passed away in November last year. He was due to be working on the day that he died – still putting in a shift at 76, and loving it.
“Neil was an old school reporter, from the days of notebook and pen. Of typewriters and the smell of printers ink. From the days of not being led by press releases or social media posts, but from chatting to people, making contacts and being in places where conversations can lead to stories.
“He interviewed countless celebrities and at least two prime ministers, Maggie Thatcher and Gordon Brown, while they were on Highland visits.
“He was a class act, and his passing was a huge loss to journalism in the Highlands.
“A top operator and a friend to many, working right to the end, a reporter through and through. He loved the Press Ball, and we miss him dearly.”
Neil’s daughter, Lindsey, and son, Calum, collected the award on behalf of their Father.
A further 13 category award winners were announced on the night – judges’ comments included:
The Barron Trophy, given for lifelong achievement in journalism, went to Jackie O’Brien, former BBC journalist.
“Jackie’s remarkable career, spanning nearly four decades in the Highlands, is a testament to her unwavering dedication, passion, and resilience. Her work has shaped the media landscape in our region, and she is, without a doubt, a most worthy recipient of our prestigious trophy. It is with great admiration that we celebrate her extraordinary contributions to journalism in the Highlands and Islands.”
Photographer of the Year – Winner: Daniel Forsyth, Northern Scot
“All the finalists displayed ability and understanding of what the judges were looking for and by the narrowest of margins our winner was selected. A consistent performer who has won before, this year’s best entry had a good mix of news related subjects catching the eye of the judges. In particular, the image of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, clearly enjoying a dram.”
Young Journalist of the Year (Alex Main Trophy) – Winner: Annabelle Gauntlett, Inverness Courier & freelance
“The quality of work in this category was truly outstanding, with the judging panel praising the fresh and crisp writing styles. Shortlisted portfolios showcased skills across a breadth of topics, including tackling world-changing environmental issues and deeply personal stories with empathy and clarity. The winner impressed with a diverse portfolio spanning radio and multi-media web content, delivering human-centred storytelling on challenging topics with exceptional compassion and insight.
“Our judges said our winner displays mature, personal and detailed coverage of an important subject that she consistently finds new angles for as she grows her skillset, experience and reputation as a storyteller and campaigner.
“Her writing is made all the more powerful because she tells the story through her own experience and from a young person’s perspective. Her determination to change the lives of all women by confronting societal perceptions shows she has true journalistic grit which will set her up for a stellar career.”
Community Newspaper of the Year – Winner: Fios
“This year’s winner delivers an excellent all-round package with comprehensive and incisive reporting of the key issues affecting the communities it serves.
“From highlighting the concerns and potential benefits of a planned offshore windfarm to outlining the dangers of the drug Spice being used in vapes by schoolchildren, it has never shied away from difficult and complex subjects.
“Above all else, it has ensured that the voices of the north of Lewis have always been heard, not just in the Western Isles, but further afield in the political arenas in Edinburgh and London.”
Business Award – Winner: Peter Ranscombe, Press & Journal
“This was a hotly contested category. The portfolios highlighted the diverse range of businesses we have in our region. There was creative treatment of stories in sectors ranging from tourism to energy, with many told through the lens of those behind these enterprises. The shortlisted entries explored key issues such as income tax, regulations, and economic conditions, all brought to life by the new and established business owners living and breathing the implications. The winning entry stood out with beautifully crafted pieces addressing national issues from a local perspective, including an insightful exploration of the visitor levy.”
Environment and Sustainability Award – Winner: John White, West Highland Free Press
“Always very well written, intelligent, focused and skillfully made relevant or personal for his audience at every turn, with thought provoking, at times challenging narratives that succeed where others often cannot in forcing the reader to contemplate the realities of climate crisis.”
Bord Na Gaidhlig Award – Winner: Shona MacDonald, BBC
“This was an important piece of journalism, giving voice to an enormously important issue connected to justice and fairness. They said they doubt the local story would have been done so sensitively (if at all) if the journalist didn’t live in, and work as an active member of, the local community. It shows that having local news journalists in situ is as important now as it ever was.”
Reporter of the Year (Jim Love Memorial Award) – Winner: Lewis McBlane, Northern Scot
“A series of front pages included an exclusive on how the dualling timetable of the A96 was dropped, a controversial Save Our Surgeries spat and another exclusive on a data breach by Moray Council – his writing gets to the heart of local matters and brings the issues that matter to light. His writing is classy, crisp and conscientious.”
Newspaper of the Year – Winner: Northern Scot
“The Newspaper of the year boasted a strong year of impactful storytelling, crammed with content, and all well presented. It gets to the core of local issues, and is a trusted voice for its community, highlighting the things that matter the most to the readers and the region it represents. It is a paper that oozes confidence in service to its patch.”
Feature Writer of the Year – Winner: Val Sweeney, Inverness Courier
“The winner is a highly experienced journalist who has consistently delivered high-quality, in-depth features and reports on a wide range of topics for more than 20 years. Her sensitive approach to challenging circumstances allowed her subjects to open up and provide a human insight into a range of issues, such as a family caught up in the infected blood scandal and Ukrainian families spending their second Christmas in Inverness during the conflict with Russia. Her feature writing has become a constant to readers who trust her to take them on a journey into other people’s lives.”
Sports Reporter of the Year – Winner: Eric Mackinnon, Stornoway Gazette
“The winner in this category delights in the detail – he brings to life the sporting endeavours, trials and tribulations of his subjects – to the point that you feel exhausted and exhilarated by the end of his articles. With this year’s entries he took us alongside Lewis ultra runner Heather Mackay Young’s Speyside Way Ultra Marathon, powerhouse swimmer Kara Hanlon’s bid to be selected for the Olympics and Kerry MacPhee’s Highland Trail 500 challenge. His writing makes the reader feel as though they are right there alongside the athlete, bringing the page to life.”
Local Website of the Year – Winner: Inverness Courier
“Our judges described our winner as the best and busiest of the bunch with local storytelling platformed through a comfortable and habit-forming user experience that puts some larger publishers to shame.
“The growth in online news consumption has driven a surge in innovative content and audience engagement. This year’s winner seamlessly integrates multi-media storytelling into everyday reporting, focusing on human-centred stories with a personalised touch.
“With a free daily digest and a data-driven approach, they have refined their strategy to resonate with their audience, showcasing the evolving power of digital journalism.”
Campaign of the Year – Winner: West Highland Free Press
“This year’s campaigns demonstrated the incredible impact of media in championing causes that matter to our communities.
“The winner focuses simply on lifesaving. It is solutions focused, human centric, with clear and demonstrable success and engagement across its community.
“Their campaign exemplified the power of collective action, showcasing how communities can achieve remarkable outcomes. Their work continues as a lasting tribute to Ross Cowie, founder of the Lucky2BHere charity, whose legacy saves lives and inspires change.”
The awards were presented at the 36th annual edition of the Highlands and Islands Press Ball, the only event that brings together industry colleagues from across a huge and dispersed region. Over 260 media representatives, politicians and heads of public and private organisations attended the event on Friday, February 7 at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.
The ball, and associated Highlands and Islands Media Awards, attracted journalists from Shetland to Argyll and from Moray to the Outer Hebrides serving print, broadcast and online media.
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 Partnership, Highland CIC, Inverness Chamber of Commerce, DP Digital Media, SafeKab, Miele’s Gelateria and Bord an Gàidhlig.
The event will benefit four local charities – Safe, Strong & Free is dedicated to keeping children and young people safe from bullying, strangers and sexual abuse; The Oxygen Works provides a range of therapies to individuals living with various conditions; James Support Group helps support family or friends who are affected by suicide and Prostate Scotland (Maggies Highland) offers support to men with prostate cancer.
The ball has now raised nearly £125,000 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.”
For more information about the Highlands and Islands Press Ball and Media Awards contact
Nicola McAlley
Chairperson, Highlands and Islands Media Awards
nicola.mcalley@hotmail.co.uk
John Ross
Chairman, Highlands and Islands Press Ball
07813 400 570
john.ross@pressandjournal.co.uk