Ian McCormack, one of the longest serving and most revered newspaper editors in the Highlands and Islands, has been given a special recognition award.
To mark the end of an era on his retirement after more than 40 years with the West Highland Free Press, the award was presented at the prestigious Highlands and Islands Press Ball and Media Awards.
Ian’s last day at the helm was on Friday, 31 January, having published the 2,290th edition of the weekly paper where he became editor on 6 March 1976.
In a fitting finale to his time at the Free Press, one of the paper’s reporters, Keith Mackenzie, was named Diageo Journalist of the Year at the ceremony.
John Ross, chairman of the Highlands and Islands Press Ball, said: “Under Ian’s leadership the Free press established itself as a strong independent campaigner and award-winning newspaper for Skye and the west Highlands.
“It keeps those in authority under intense scrutiny, stands up for local people, and promotes important issues including land reform and the Gaelic language.
“There are also many journalists whose careers owe much to Ian’s training, advice and patient counsel.”