Four decades of chasing politics scoops honoured at Scottish Press Awards

Behind Local News
Behind Local News UK
2 min readJun 4, 2024
Lifetime Achievement presented to the veteran Edinburgh Evening News political editor Ian Swanson by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes.

A veteran political editor has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the Scottish Press Awards.

Described by his newsroom as a ‘Capital Institution’ Ian has covered politics in Edinburgh, both at the local council and also the Scottish Parliament, for over four decades.

He was presented with the award by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes at the 45th Press Awards held last week.

In the Edinburgh Evening News, colleague Susan Dalgety said: “He is the heart and soul of the Edinburgh Evening News, and through his work, a very important person in our city. He also happens to be one of the loveliest people around.

“No matter how tough a day can get, or how many blank pages are left to fill, he remains calm under pressure, and crucially he helps other people get through the day. He mentors young reporters, and reminds more grizzled ones why they are in the job — to tell people what is really going on in their city.”

Brian Ferguson, one of his former Evening News colleagues, and now a Scotsman stalwart, said: “So pleased about this terrific honour for the legendary Swanny! I have often wondered how many journalists out there have benefited from his advice, support and encouragement over the decades. A real inspiration!”

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