That the Parliament congratulates Chris Saunderson from Moray, who has been awarded the 2026 Barron Trophy at the Highlands and Islands Media Awards, following a hugely successful 36-year career in journalism; notes that this was latterly as editor of The Northern Scot newspaper and that Chris, who has a keen nose for a good story, is very well-liked and respected by other journalists for his professionalism and integrity, as well as his sense of humour and ability to bring out the human interest in his writing; understands that Chris grew up in Dumfries, where he started his career before moving to Moray with his family and then joined The Northern Scot; notes that Chris has also been open in documenting his struggles with his mental health issues, writing a book that combined his love of football with his own experiences, in a bid to help others overcome their mental health conditions; believes that this richly deserved award recognises his outstanding lifetime contribution to journalism across the region, through, as the judges said, his “strong editorial leadership, deep commitment to local communities and passion for public-interest journalism”; thanks Chris for the outstanding journalism and leadership he has provided in Moray over many decades, and wishes Chris well for the future with his family and following his favourite football team, Queen of the South.
Supported by:
Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Annabelle Ewing, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Dr Pam Gosal MBE, Dr Sandesh Gulhane, Liam Kerr, Alexander Stewart, Paul Sweeney