A motion in the Scottish Parliament has praised the Lochside Press for its coverage of local news.
Maurice Corry, a Conservative MSP for the West of Scotland region who lives in Helensburgh, highlighted the website after it was one of 20 news organisation across the UK awarded funding by the Public Interest News Foundation (PINF).
“Having trusted sources of local news has never been more important and the Lochside Press certainly fits that bill,” he said.
“It is hugely welcome that they have secured this boost in funding at such a critical time for local media, especially with advertising revenues dramatically falling.
“I have enjoyed supporting the website before through local campaigns and hope that this funding will ensure it can continue to provide the news local residents wish to know about.”
Supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the award was announced last week after 89 entries were assessed by a panel of judges chaired by Dame Frances Cairncross, who last year headed a review into the future of local media on behalf of the UK government.
The full parliamentary motion reads:
That the Parliament congratulates The Lochside Press on being awarded a £3,000 grant from the COVID-19 Emergency Fund; understands that almost 90 independent news groups applied to the fund, which seeks to award and develop independent news publishers that consistently provide a high standard of journalism; recognises that The Lochside Press, as a community-driven website, covers news and events from around the Clyde sea lochs in the West Scotland region and works to promote local achievements and services; appreciates, in particular, the dedication of The Lochside Press to provide vital in-depth reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic by, for example, highlighting the latest guidance and public services available to local residents, and wishes The Lochside Press team well as they continue to publish trusted local news in the midst of the these challenging times.
The motion was supported by MSPs Miles Briggs, Alexander Stewart, David Torrance, Jeremy Balfour, Margaret Mitchell, Bill Kidd, Gil Paterson and Jackie Baillie.
Well done! A Trusted Source is a good thing to be!