WiJ Scotland at the Scottish Press Awards — Women in Journalism Scotland

WiJ Scotland members at the Scottish Press Awards

WiJ Scotland attended this year’s press awards, with co-chair Anna Burnside presenting the Nicola Barry Award to Lindsay Bruce of The Press and Journal / Evening Express. The runner-up was Catriona Stewart of The Scotsman.

The awards night also offered the opportunity for valuable socialising and networking, and WiJ Scotland member Lauren Cameron was among those attending. Here she describes her experience of the night.

Attending the 47th Scottish Press Awards in Glasgow with Women in Journalism Scotland was such a lovely experience. As an early-career journalist living and working in the Highlands, there aren’t many chances to meet other people in the industry, so being part of an evening like this felt really special.

Journalism can be a challenging career at times, especially as a young woman just starting out, which is why seeing so many women recognised for their talent, skill and hard work was so inspiring.

Having the chance to meet and chat with journalists such as Chitra Ramaswamy, winner of Food and Drink Writer of the Year, Vicky Allan, who won Feature Writer of the Year, and Lindsay Bruce, recipient of the incredible Nicola Barry Award, was a real privilege. They are all so accomplished, yet also so warm, humble and generous with their time.

One of my favourite parts of the evening was meeting journalists from all different backgrounds and at all stages of their careers - from experienced reporters to fellow young journalists, freelancers and staff writers alike. Even though everyone was on different paths, there was such a strong sense of community and shared understanding that felt really reassuring.

Events like this are such a good reminder of why I, and so many others, continue to choose journalism every day.