The Herald announces winners of the Student Press Awards 2025

In an age where disinformation is spreading rapidly, quality, accountable journalism has never mattered more. And this starts in our universities and colleges. 

The Herald believes in student journalism and is keen to provide a platform for rising stars, allowing them a boost into their future careers.

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Some of the best images from The Herald Student Press Awards

Winners were announced across nine categories, showcasing the best in writing, production, and design. The finalists and winners were welcomed to a drinks reception by Herald editor Catherine Salmond and editor-in-chief of Newsquest Scotland Callum Baird. 

Natalie Buxton, Managing Director, UK Network of Weber Shandwick said: “It has been an absolute honour to sponsor The Herald Student Press Awards for the second year running. These awards celebrate the passion, creativity, and integrity that student journalists, production staff and editors bring to their craft, and we are honored to help amplify their voices as they prepare to lead the industry forward.”

Catherine Salmond, editor of The Herald, said: “Student journalism played a fundamental role in how I ended up as a trainee reporter and on to, many years later, becoming an editor. The Herald is keen to support students on their journeys and this is just one way of us doing that.”

See the finalists and winners below:

Best use of Digital media

• Aidan Gilbride, SPFL News Now, Edinburgh Napier University
• Amanda Crawford, UWS Newsroom, University of the West of Scotland
• Antonella Valente, The Gaudie, University of Aberdeen – WINNER
• Fred Byrne, Gettin' Rowdy with The Gaudie, The Gaudie

Design of the Year (Newspaper or Magazine)

• The Gaudie, University of Aberdeen – WINNER
• The Magdalen, University of Dundee
• The Glasgow Guardian, Glasgow University

Columnist of the Year

• Sandy Woodhouse, ENRG, Edinburgh Napier – WINNER
• Emilia Evonne Beatrice Lauder, ENRG & The Broad, Edinburgh Napier University
• Hannah Linda Hamilton, The Magdalen, The University of Dundee

Features Writer of the Year

• Carlin Braun, Brig Newspaper, University of Stirling
• Kulsum Shabbir, Strathclyde Telegraph, University of Strathclyde – WINNER
• Nina Miller, The Glasgow Guardian, University of Glasgow

News Writer of the Year

• Eva J Milne, The Jute Journal, University of Dundee
• Amelia Boag McGlynn and Fred Byrne, The Gaudie, University of Aberdeen
• Katherine McKay, Hillhead Review, University of Glasgow
• Odhran Gallagher, Hillhead Review, University of Glasgow – WINNER

Sports Writer of the Year

• Anya Diggines, Brig Newspaper, University of Stirling
• Jack Harris, ENRG, Edinburgh Napier University – WINNER
• John Shiels, The Clyde Insider, Glasgow Clyde College
• Oliver Kennedy, The Gaudie, University of Aberdeen

Scoop of the Year

• David Forrest, The Clyde Insider, Glasgow Clyde College
• Edward Jewsbury, Brig Newspaper, University of Stirling
• Katherine McKay, Hillhead Review, University of Glasgow
• Odhran Gallagher, Hillhead Review, University of Glasgow – WINNER

Student News Brand of the Year

• Brig Newspaper, University of Stirling
• The Student, University of Edinburgh
• The Gaudie, University of Aberdeen
• ENRG, Edinburgh Napier University
• The Glasgow Guardian, Glasgow University
• Hillhead Review, University of Glasgow – WINNER
• Strathclyde Telegraph, University of Strathclyde

Student Journalist of the Year

• Odhran Gallagher, Hillhead Review, University of Glasgow – WINNER