Stirling came joint first for accolades at this year’s Scottish Student Journalism Awards (SSJA).
Students from both Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Stirling achieved four wins and four commendations across 13 categories at the ceremony in Glasgow, which recognises exceptional skill in student writing and production. Glasgow Clyde College also had a strong showing, scooping three awards and four commendations, while Edinburgh Napier University won two awards. The ‘Student Journalist of the Year’ award went to Selena Jackson of Glasgow Caledonian University.
With BBC Scotland presenter Glenn Campbell as compère, a star-studded cast presented awards and gave speeches at the event on Wednesday night, including STV News presenter John Mackay and legendary writer John Dingwall.
The Stirling group acquired 22 nominations, more than any other university or college on the bill. Stirling’s Rozlyn Little work on crime won her two awards — ‘News Story of the Year’ and ‘Scoop of the Year’ — while Ryan Peteranna won ‘Column of the Year’ for his article on male suicide. Douglas Matheson won ‘Broadcast Story of the Year’ for the documentary ‘Finding Your Feet’, in what is believed to be the fifth consecutive year a Stirling-based team have taken the accolade.
However, Brig missed out on the two awards it was nominated for — ‘Student Website of the Year’ and ‘Student Publication of the Year’ — which instead went to Edinburgh Napier University’s ENRG Sport and The Pattern of Glasgow Clyde College. Congratulating The Pattern, outgoing Brig editor Ross Brannigan tweeted: “Obviously sad Brig didn’t take home awards after such a good year, but we did have the best year and, award or no award, I’m bloody proud of our little paper.”
Douglas Matheson told Brig: “Knowing that so many people not only saw my work but also found it to be of such a high standard gives me an enormous feeling of pride. It was a fantastic night, and being able to share it with peers and friends from Stirling who were up for (and in many cases won) awards themselves made it all the better.”
Rozlyn Little told Brig: “I wish I could have made the awards, and I’m glad Stirling came out strong with four winners and four commendations. Good luck to everyone with whatever comes next!”
In a post, SSJA organisers said: “A huge thank you to everyone who attended the event. To all of our judges, speakers, sponsors and students, we could not have done this event without you; and congrats to all shortlists, runners up and winners! We hope you all enjoyed yourself.”
[…] be said for my self-pitying behaviour. Ironically, the looming fear of graduation undercut a major award win in May — ‘Column of the Year’ at the Scottish Student Journalism Awards — for […]