Strathy commended in Holyrood
The Strathy has been commended in the Scottish Parliament for retaining the title of Highlands and Islands Newspaper of the Year.
The commendation came from Jamie McGrigor, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands & Islands, who was speaking up for the role of local newspapers across his region. The mention came during a debate on the importance of local newspapers initiated by Graeme Dey MSP.
Speaking on Thursday (February 11) Mr McGrigor said: “ I agree very strongly that local newspapers are extremely valuable to constituents and communities across Scotland, including in my region of the Highlands & Islands.
“They are able to cover local affairs and issues in a level of detail other media cannot and they are often at the forefront of local campaigns on vital subjects. They play a big role in supporting community cohesion and I am pleased to be able to use the debate today to pay tribute to the excellent work of the journalists and other staff at the local newspapers all across my region.
“They are also important in terms of public notices and a platform for local businesses to advertise goods and services. Many of our local newspapers have of course been working in our communities for generations. The Caithness Courier will next month celebrate its 150th anniversary, having first been published on March 31, 1866 and I commend it and the team behind it on this milestone.
“Local newspapers also are important in providing jobs to young journalists and trainees at the start of their careers and providing such a good training for journalists who often then move upwards to regional or national newspapers or other media forms. Many members of our esteemed Parliamentary press corps started off on local newspapers which provide such a good grounding.
“Congratulations should also go to the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald for winning the newspaper of the year award for the second year in succession.
“Graeme Dey is right to voice concern about the future of a number of local newspaper titles within the ownership of Johnston press and their possible sale to other parties.”
“I restate the Scottish Conservatives’ full support for our local newspapers and pay tribute to the efforts of all those journalists and local newspaper employees who work so hard to keep us informed each and every week.
“I recognise the concerns about the future of the traditional print newspaper sector and associated reduction in journalistic employment and will close by urging constituents and businesses across my region to do all they can to support their local newspapers and buy a copy each week if at all possible.”
