The winner of the Barron Trophy, which recognises lifetime achievement in journalism, is Duncan Ross, editor of the Northern Times, Golspie. Duncan (54) will receive his award from Patricia Ferguson, MSP, Minister for Tourism Culture and Sport at the Highlands and Islands Press Ball, which is being held at the Newton Hotel, Nairn, on Friday 3 February.

Duncan began his career with a freelance agency in Edinburgh called United News Service, covering the capital city for daily and evening papers on both sides of the border, and BBC Scotland. He spent two years on the Edinburgh Evening News before moving to the Inverness office of Aberdeen Journals, initially working for both the Press and Journal and the Evening Express. At the Press and Journal, he was appointed Deputy Chief Reporter at Inverness in 1979 and North News Editor in 1988.

In 1989 he joined the Inverness Courier, then being modernised by new owner Stuart Lindsay. As Chief Reporter at the Courier, Duncan succeeded his father Ian, who had retired from that post at the same time as Eveline Barron, the owner and editor.

Ten years ago, he moved to Sutherland to succeed Jim Henderson as editor of the Northern Times in Golspie.
Since moving to Sutherland, Duncan and his wife, Sandie, have both become enthusiastic members of Lairg Gaelic Choir and have taken part in several National and Local Mods. They have four children and three grandchildren.

Duncan is also interested in family history, and was a co-founder and first chairman of the Highland Family History Society in 1981.

Highlands and Islands Media Awards' chairman, Gordon Fyfe, said:  "Duncan epitomises everything that is good about local journalism. He is a determined seeker of stories, dedicated to accuracy and balance and a devotee of detail. Above all a thoroughly likeable man, the likes of whom are in danger of giving the profession a good name!"