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The Press and Journal scoops double success at press awards

Andy Skinner (left) and Chris MacLennan collecting their awards from Diageo's Keith Miller.
Andy Skinner (left) and Chris MacLennan collecting their awards from Diageo's Keith Miller.

The Press and Journal scored a double success at the annual Highlands and Islands Media Awards.

Chris Maclennan was named Young Journalist of the Year and Andy Skinner Sports Reporter of the Year.

The awards were presented at the annual Highlands and Islands Press Ball at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on Friday.


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Chris won his award after submitting three entries relating to fears for mountain rescue volunteers, the state of Highland schools and a remembrance event for fallen soldiers of the British Indian Army.

He said: “It is really humbling to be awarded the Alex Main Trophy and join an illustrious club of former winners.

“I’ve only been with the P&J and in the world of journalism for just under a year so this is something I am incredibly proud of, especially so early on in my career.

“A lot of people have invested a lot of time and effort into me and I would like to thank them, and in particular the fantastic team I have around me on a daily basis.”

He added:  “My first week with the P&J was a really challenging one as I lost one of the most inspirational women in my life, who I’m sure would share in this pride, so I would like to dedicate this one to my gran, an avid reader of the P&J.

“After seeing my first piece in print she said to my brother ‘he will do just alright’ shortly before she passed, and I’d like to think by receiving this award, I am living up to that billing.”

Sports writer Andy submitted entries on the formation of a girls football team in Lochaber, golfer Robert Macintyre progressing on to the European tour, and a feature on the struggles of Fort William Football Club.

He said: “I am really, really proud and privileged to have won this award.

“It is amazing to be recognised for doing something that I take a lot of pride in. It is something that I have only ever wanted to do and is such an enjoyable job, working with great people.

“I have never won an award before so it feels pretty surreal.”

The former Highland-based BBC reporter Craig Anderson also received the Barron Trophy for lifelong achievement in journalism and a special recognition award was presented to STV journalist Nicola McAlley for her charity fundraising work..

The awards were presented by Keith Miller, distillation and maturation director of Diageo, the principal sponsor of the Highlands and Islands Press Ball and Media Awards.