First ScotRail Press Photography Awards 2007
Winners announced
Ian Rutherford, a long-serving and popular photographer with The Scotsman, has won the top press photography award for a record fourth time.
He was crowned First ScotRail Press Photographer of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony in Glasgow’s Mitchell Theatre on 26 March 2008.
His previous Photographer of the Year wins were in 1994, 1997 and 1998.
Ian also collected the award for Picture Essay of the Year and was Highly Commended in Sports Photographer of the Year.
His striking images included:
- Troops from the Royal Regiment of Scotland greeting their families on return from Iraq
- Michael Hamilton, father of murdered Vicki Hamilton, at Linlithgow Sheriff Court during the Peter Tobin hearing.
- QC Donald Findlay turning his camera on the waiting press
- Ospreys in Speyside
- The Scottish Open Golf; and
- The O’Neil Highland Open surfing competition
Former Fleet Street picture editor Ken Lennox, chairman of the judges, said: “Ian’s images show tremendous range across news, sport and features - a great set of pictures. He’s consistent, patient, poetic, observant and a complete perfectionist. A very worthy winner in a strong category.”
Denis Straughan, who received a Lifetime Achievement award and worked with Rutherford at The Scotsman, added: “Ian is one of the best photographers I’ve ever known.”
Other award winners included:
Features Photographer of the Year - Donald MacLeod, of The Scotsman.
Ken Lennox said: “Very considered work and it’s good to see someone having fun with features photography.”
Celebrity Picture of the Year - Sunday Mail/freelance photographer Mark Anderson for his photograph of Coldplay front man Chris Martin asleep on a Scottish ferry. “A lovely observational image which really stood out. You really feel caught in the moment.”
Runner-up in the celebrity category was Gordon Terris of The Herald with a shot of Sir Bob Geldof. “An iconic image of one of the few heroes of our time. Very striking image, reminiscent of the Lincoln Memorial.”
Newspaper of the Year - Sunday Herald. “Nice spreads, well worth buying. Intelligent changes of pace” said the judges.
Highly Commended in the Newspaper category – the Daily Record. “They showed an exceptionally brave commitment to highlight the knife crime issue. A fantastic set of images.”
Two titles tied for Magazine/Supplement of the Year: The Herald - “A lively looking magazine, well put together. The front pages are strong and the photos throughout really catch your attention; and Sunday Times Ecosse. “Stunning pictures which take you through the story, page after page. Strong reflection of news values. An impressive package.”
Sports Photographer of the Year - Freelancer, Ian MacNicol. “Nice clean shots that sparkle with life. You can tell that he is in total command of his camera and his pictures.”
Andrew Milligan from the Press Association won two categories: News Picture of the Year for an image of Vicki Hamilton’s father being restrained by police as Peter Tobin left court after being charged with her murder; and the Open category – voted for by the public - with an amusing shot of a young Highland cow in the snow.
All winning and highly commended images will be available for viewing on www.scottishppa.com In addition, sponsor First ScotRail is arranging to showcase the winners at railway stations and other venues in Scotland.
Mary Dickson, managing director of First ScotRail, said: “We hope that the Scottish public will enjoy viewing these photographs as much as we have. I would like to congratulate everyone and thank them for supporting the awards.”
Media Enquiries:
Clare Meikle/Cameron Grant/Gemma Smith
3x1 Public Relations
Tel: 0141 221 0707
WINNERS
Photographer of the Year
Ian Rutherford, The Scotsman
Picture Essay of the Year
Ian Rutherford, The Scotsman
Highly Commended: Kirsty Anderson, Sunday Herald
Features Photographer of the Year
Donald MacLeod, The Scotsman
Sports Photographer of the Year
Ian MacNicol, Freelance
Highly Commended: Ian Rutherford, The Scotsman
Local Photographer of the Year
John McIntyre, Freelance
Highly Commended: Gordon Fraser, East Lothian News
Young Photographer of the Year
No award
Student Photographer of the Year
Claire Cox, Stevenson College Edinburgh
Highly Commended: Johnny Mclauchlan, Glasgow Metropolitan College
News Picture of the Year
Andrew Milligan, Press Association
Sports Picture of the Year
Tom Main, Freelance
Judges’ Commendation: Rebecca Lee, Ideal Images
Celebrity Picture of the Year
Mark Anderson, Sunday Mail/Freelance
Highly Commended: Gordon Terris
Newspaper of the Year
Sunday Herald
Highly Commended: Daily Record
Magazine/Supplement of the Year
Herald Magazine – joint winner
Sunday Times ‘Ecosse’ – joint winner
Open Category
Andrew Milligan, Press Association
First ScotRail Employee Photographer of the Year
John Hay
Highly Commended: Alan Wallace
Judging Panel
Ken Lennox, ex-picture editor of The Sun
Colin Cavers, Documentary photographer and lecturer at Napier College Edinburgh
Paul Delmar, Head of Photo-journalism training, National Council for Training of Journalists
Stan Hunter, ex Picture Editor, Scottish Daily Express
Ray Wells, Picture Editor, Sunday Times
Last Update : 09 May 2008