Times pair shortlisted for press awards

The Shetland Times will again be well represented at the Highlands and Islands Press Awards next month – with photographer Dave Donaldson and news editor Jim Tait both shortlisted.

Mr Donaldson is in the running for two awards, Photographer of the Year and Shot of the Year, while Mr Tait is forward for the Feature Writer of the Year award.

An eye-catching photograph of Janice Johnston carrying the Queen’s Commonwealth Baton at the prow of the Aith lifeboat earned Mr Donaldson his place in the top three of the Shot of the Year competition. His broader portfolio included a BMX stunt rider visiting Bell’s Brae Primary School, a junior member of the Scalloway Jarl’s Squad squeezing into the squad photo and the Ryder Cup on its historic visit to Whalsay.

He said he was delighted to be in the running.

Meanwhile Mr Tait submitted three pieces of work to earn his place in the shortlisted Feature Writer of the Year entrants. They were an interview with convicted drug dealer Paul Grant who spoke about his jail sentence and his return to the Shetland rugby team, a profile of D-Day veteran Geordie Mainland and a colour piece about Lerwick Up-Helly-A’.

Shetland Times editor Adam Civico said: “Congratulations to Dave and Jim, they are both worthy entrants and I am not surprised they have made it to the final. I’m sure readers will join me in wishing them good luck.”

Last year reporter Ryan Taylor was named Reporter of the Year at the awards ceremony in Inverness. This year’s winners will be announced on Friday 6th February.