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Lifetime achievement award for Stornoway stalwart

A stalwart local press reporter who has devoted over four decades to the same paper has won this year’s Barron Trophy.

Donnie Macinnes, chief reporter with the Stornoway Gazette, was nominated for the prestigious award by colleagues and former winner Bill Lucas. It recognises a lifetime of achievement in journalism in the Highland and Islands region.

Donnie said: “It is an honour to be nominated by fellow journalists for this prestigious award.”

His editor Melinda Gillen added: “It’s fantastic that Donnie has been recognised in this way.

“His dedication to the Stornoway Gazette has earned him the title ‘Donnie Gazette’ and over the years he has become part of the fabric of the paper.

“It is rare these days to find a journalist who is so experienced about the remit of their paper and who understands the interests of its readership so well.

“Donnie has used this knowledge not just to guide his own career, but by also passing along his experience to the journalists who have graced the Gazette’s editorial department, he has helped ensure that they also understand the importance of providing what the readers want.”

The Barron Trophy is part of the annual Highland and Islands Media Awards which will be presented tonight in Nairn by Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond.

The winner of journalist of the year will also be revealed.