Freelance journalist Daniel Shailer enjoyed a standout evening at the Highlands & Islands Press Ball and Media Awards, taking home an impressive four trophies, including the prestigious Diageo Journalist of the Year. Writing for The Shetland Times, Daniel was also named Business Reporter of the Year, Young Reporter of the Year (Alex Main Memorial Trophy) and Best Feature of the Year – a remarkable achievement that marked him out as one of the rising stars of Scottish journalism.

Head judge Nicola McAlley said: “Daniel’s haul of awards reflected both his talent and tireless work ethic, his confident writing, sharp news judgement and ability to dig deep into stories that truly resonate with local communities. Daniel is an exceptionally gifted reporter whose determination and storytelling flair stood out across multiple categories”.

“The Judges praised Daniel for his confident writing and ability to dig deeper into stories that resonate locally, highlighting his patience, awareness and strong news judgement.

“They were impressed with a series of exclusives – from delays to Shetland’s new fish processing factory and the UK’s most northerly distillery, to why three leading fishermen have chosen to sell up. A brilliant set of scoops!”

“John delivered engaging, thoughtful writing that blended personal experience with wider issues, rooted in the local community, while offering a global perspective. With vivid imagery, an inclusive voice and strong factual insight, the work held our attention from start to finish.”

“Judges described this as an exceptionally tough category, ultimately awarding Podcast of the Year to This Is Islay for its clear positive impact on the local community, wide range of voices, breadth of locally driven topics and high production quality. Run by volunteers, the podcast celebrates the people, places and events that shape island life. Congratulations to Glen Roberts, Jolyon Thurgood and the whole team.”

Runner-up HN&M from The Inverness Courier was Highly Commended for its engaging, professionally delivered newscasts covering current issues in a clear, listener-friendly format.

“Judges praised another exceptionally strong year of entries, underlining the vital role of community newspapers across the north. Community Newspaper of the Year went to West Word, recognised for consistently delivering high-quality local journalism, even producing an edition during Storm Amy with power from a neighbour’s generator.

“Under new editorship, the long-running title has evolved with subtle design changes and new features, continuing to serve its diverse mainland and island readership with informative, well-packed editions.”

“Judges were looking for strong digital storytelling, creative use of multimedia and clear audience engagement. Website of the Year went to This Is Oban, praised for its fresh, personal approach to community coverage, positive content, engaging features and strong social media links.”

“Judges praised a well-informed, balanced Gaelic report on a complex local issue, highlighting strong due diligence and deep understanding of land and community ownership in the Highlands and Islands.

“The award went to Shona MacDonald for her detailed investigation into allegations surrounding St?ras Uibhist, examining the management of the South Uist Estate and its impact on the local community across Eriskay, South Uist and Benbecula.”

“Judges praised a standout portfolio showcasing powerful photography across a wide range of Highland stories. Jason was recognised for capturing diverse, topical subjects with real skill. The judges particularly admired his image of the Burning of the Clavie, described as a striking photograph reminiscent of a dramatic Renaissance painting.”

“Judges praised this year’s Sports Reporter of the Year for delivering a strong mix of personal storytelling and in-depth reporting across a wide range of subjects.

“Andrew impressed with powerful features on Kayleigh Mackenzie’s fight back from injury, an exclusive interview with former Staggies manager Don Cowie, and a deep dive into the 24-year saga surrounding Craig Dunain Rugby Club’s pitch – a compelling body of work combining empathy, insight and strong journalism.”

“Judges described this as one of the toughest categories this year, praising entrants for confident local reporting, with several tackling challenging front-page stories that would test even seasoned journalists. The strength, ambition and assurance on display made for a highly competitive field.

“Daniel impressed the panel with a series of strong exclusives, including illegal gillnet fishing off Shetland, a businessman with island links selling salmon to Russia despite the war in Ukraine, and a compelling report on archaeologists racing climate change at a Pictish site – a standout body of work showing real depth and determination.”

“Reporter of the Year proved an exceptionally strong category, with such a high standard of entries that even selecting a shortlist was challenging. Stories ranged from personal and community hardships to injustice and natural disasters; all handled with sensitivity and skill.

“The winning portfolio stood out for its powerful, thoughtful storytelling, with one piece in particular moving judges deeply. The work highlighted the delicate balance journalists must strike when reporting tragedy close to home – and how trust, commitment and deep community roots can uncover new perspectives on long-running issues.

“Shona particularly impressed judges with After The Storm, examining the lasting trauma 20 years after the 2005 tragedy in Uist and exploring how prepared island communities are for the impacts of climate change. Her investigation into allegations of wild sheep being allowed to starve on St Kilda also caught the judge’s attention after featuring on the BBC’s main news page – a compelling body of work combining empathy, rigour and impact.”

“The Features category was, as ever, highly competitive, with judges enjoying a wide and fascinating mix of investigative, emotional, historical and quirky stories. The winning entry stood out for its vivid descriptive writing and for allowing authentic community voices to lead the narrative.

“Daniel impressed with an evocative piece on the “spatial squeeze” facing scallop fishing, a colourful feature on a Dutch performance art troupe using Up Helly Aa costumes to explore the islands’ relationship with energy projects, and an almost poetic account of the challenges faced by a small-scale island fish smoker – a beautifully crafted and original portfolio.”

“All shortlisted titles showed a strong connection to their communities, uncovering unique local stories, holding institutions to account and celebrating local success.

“Judges praised the paper for consistently strong reporting, adding its own golden glow to sporting achievements and demonstrating the vital role of local journalism by staying the course on long-running stories.”

“Local media plays a vital role in championing community causes, and this year’s Campaign of the Year demonstrated exactly that – taking a proactive approach to bringing people together around an important local issue and driving meaningful engagement.

“Judges praised the campaign as a successful, inclusive, community-driven initiative that achieved potentially life-saving impact – a powerful example of local journalism making a real difference.”