The Herald Student Press Awards, sponsored by Weber Shandwick, made a comeback in 2025 to honor the top journalistic talent in Scotland’s universities and colleges. The event, held at The Herald’s Bath Street offices, welcomed promising individuals from media and journalism courses as well as student newspapers. In a time where misinformation is running rampant, the significance of quality, responsible journalism cannot be overstated. This responsibility begins with the budding journalists in our educational institutions.
The Herald stands by student journalism and aims to offer a platform for emerging stars, giving them a head start in their future careers. The winners were announced across nine categories, highlighting excellence in writing, production, and design. The finalists and winners were treated to a drinks reception hosted by Catherine Salmond, editor of The Herald, and Callum Baird, editor-in-chief of Newsquest Scotland. Natalie Buxton, the Managing Director of the UK Network of Weber Shandwick, expressed her pride in sponsoring the awards for the second consecutive year. She emphasized the celebration of passion, creativity, and integrity that student journalists, production staff, and editors bring to their work.
The finalists and winners for various categories showcased their talents in digital media, design, writing, and more. The event recognized outstanding individuals such as Antonella Valente from the University of Aberdeen, who won in the Best Use of Digital Media category. The Gaudie from the University of Aberdeen was recognized for Design of the Year, and Sandy Woodhouse from Edinburgh Napier University took home the Columnist of the Year award. Kulsum Shabbir from the University of Strathclyde was awarded Features Writer of the Year, while Odhran Gallagher from the University of Glasgow won both News Writer of the Year and Student Journalist of the Year.
The Student News Brand of the Year award went to Hillhead Review from the University of Glasgow, showcasing the exceptional journalism coming from various institutions. The award ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of these individuals but also highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent in the field of journalism. As the industry continues to evolve, recognizing and supporting the next generation of journalists is crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of media outlets. The Herald Student Press Awards serve as a stepping stone for these aspiring journalists, propelling them towards successful careers in the industry.
