Michael makes the headlines

He was named Weekly Photographer of the Year for his portfolio of work, all taken and published in Johnston Press Scottish weekly titles.

Michael, who has been shortlisted for the UK award on three previous occasions, beat off competition from photographers across the country.

The annual competition is organised by the Society of Editors to “celebrate the best of British regional and local newspaper journalism” which the judges said in 2015 “heralded as an outstanding illustration of robust and inspiring journalism”.

Entrants in the weekly photographer category had to submit three examples of work. Michael, who has been with The Falkirk Herald for 14 years, had an image from an explosion at Ineos, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards on night exercise in Germany and a basketball shot during a Falkirk Fury v Glasgow Rocks match.

The judges commented: “The winner produced a powerful portfolio epitomised by a wide range of subjects. His work was beautifully lit and framed and he submitted a versatile set of images with excellent low lighting.”

Falkirk Herald editor-in-chief Colin Hume said: “I am delighted that Michael’s talents have been recognised with such a prestigious award and it is richly deserved.

“As his role has developed over the years, he has taken on many more managerial duties but he still covers as many assignments as he can and his valuable contribution to the papers and websites he serves are brilliantly captured in the winning images.”