Scotland’s year in the spotlight is expected to attract a record number of entries for this year’s annual Scottish Press Awards.
The Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and the Scottish independence referendum focused world attention on Scotland and Scottish media played a central role in analysing and documenting each event for a global as well as domestic audience, according to the awards’ organiser, Scottish Newspaper Society (SNS).
SNS director John McLellan (pictured) said: “Scottish journalists were at the heart of these internationally-significant events, and Scotland’s diverse newspaper industry was key to bringing each of them to life for the Scottish public.
“In print or online, the creativity and energy of the Scottish Press was clear to see from some excellent coverage of these massive events. These awards will celebrate the best of what has been an outstanding year for Scottish journalism and the competition is bound to be fierce.”
Entries for the 2014 awards are now open and will close on 15 January 2015. There are 21 categories including ‘Front Page of the Year’, ‘Scoop of the Year’ and ‘Newspaper of the Year’.
Last year saw a record number of entries, with The Sunday Mail taking the Newspaper of the Year category.
The awards also showcase the best of Scottish press photography with ‘Sports Photographer of the Year’ and ‘News Photographer of the Year’.
John McLellan added: “After such a momentous 2014, we expect to see a greater number of entries to the awards than in previous years. The quality of stories and images produced by Scottish journalists is something of which the industry can be very proud. The judges will have a real challenge in narrowing down what is sure to be a bumper crop of excellent entries, but it’s a problem we’re delighted to have.”
The finalists will be announced in early March and an awards dinner will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow on 16 April 2015.
The Scottish Press Awards are the top awards for the newspaper industry in Scotland, in both print and digital formats. Established by the Scottish newspaper industry in 1978, this prestigious event showcases the best journalistic talent in Scotland. More information can be found here.