Taylor scoops media award

SHETLAND was well represented at this year’s Highlands and Islands Media Awards, which were announced during a ceremony at the Drumrossie Hotel, in Inverness, on Friday night.

Not only was Ryan Taylor from the Shetland Times named reporter of the year, but the Shetland News website and the Shetland Times had been shortlisted for the best use of digital media award and the newspaper of the year award respectively.

But it was the Stornoway Gazette that went away with both accolades.

Taylor said he was surprised and honoured to have been named reporter of the year.

“I think the standard of journalism across the Highlands and Islands is very high, and it’s an honour to have been recognised in this way,” he said.

Other winners were:
Best Gaelic entry -
Monster FM;
Photographer of the year -
Gary Anthony, Scottish Provincial Press;
Top shot of the year – Gary Anthony, Scottish Provincial Press;
Young journalist of the year – Alistair Walker – Fios;
Sports writer of the year – Keith MacKenzie, West Highland Free Press;
Top story of the year -
Roger Hutchinson, West Highland Free Press – Raasay shooting rights;
Feature writer of the year -
 Catriona MacPhee, Press and Journal;
Community newspaper of the year -
Am Paipear, Uist;
Diageo journalist of the year
Gary Anthony, Scottish Provincial Press

Clive Dennier, who died as the result of a hill walking accident last year, received posthumously the Barron Trophy in recognition of the contribution he made over his lifetime to journalism.