Edinburgh journalist Ian Swanson recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Scottish Press Awards

Our very own political editor, Ian Swanson, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award this week at the 45th Scottish Press Awards. 

A familiar face to politicians past and present and known by many in the industry as ‘Swanny’, Ian’s journey with the Evening News began 41 years ago - a career that has seen him cover the 1997 devolution referendum, creation of the Scottish Parliament, all the way to Brexit and the current election.

Ian Swanson was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the The Scottish Press Awards this week. Photo: Andy Barr | Andy Barr

Accepting the award at the Glasgow ceremony on Wednesday (May 29), Ian’s familiar modesty shone through as he addressed the audience. “I’m still not really quite sure what I’ve done to deserve this - but I do feel very honoured,” he said.

"I feel very fortunate to have been working as a political journalist in Scotland in such eventful times and had the privilege of covering the 1997 devolution referendum the build-up to the parliament, the whole parliament building controversy, the early days at The Mound, the first SNP government, the independence referendum, Brexit and all the rest, right up to this current election - never a dull moment.”

Witnessing many changes in the industry Ian recalled the days when type writers and carbon paper were the tools of the trade, when offices would vibrate as the presses started to roll and a smell of ink would linger in the air. 

Ian added: "I've worked with lots of very talented journalists over the years and I'm very grateful to them all for their help, their encouragement, their example and their friendship."

Born in Scotland, Ian grew up in Manchester and went on to study religion and politics at Manchester University. He cut his teeth at the Runcorn Weekly News, near Liverpool before joining the Middleton Guardian near Manchester. In 1983, Ian joined the Edinburgh Evening News, becoming the political editor in 1997 - a position he still holds to this day and with no plans to retire any time soon. 

Delivering his acceptance speech, Ian told of his ‘lifelong love of newspapers’. The longstanding journalist said: “I remember as a child when I realised that the newspaper that came through our door every day was full of information about what was going on all over the world - and amazed when I thought about all the people and all the work that must involve.”

Ian recalled visiting London at the age of 10, a holiday trip where he first found an interest in evening papers - fascinated at how ‘the billboards on the newsstands and the headlines on the evening papers kept changing as the new editions hit the street.’ 

He said: “Before mobile phones and all our digital technology evening papers were the often the first way people found out about important stories. There was a special thrill about being part of that and I count myself lucky to have had that opportunity."

Presenting the award, SNP MSP, Kate Forbes said: “The recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award is such stalwart he has seen off 10 editors, three proprietors and three buildings.”

She added: “In the 25th year of devolution, it is only fitting that this year’s lifetime achievement award should go to someone who has been there from the very beginning.”