An annual award dedicated to the memory of Political and Industrial Correspondent Kenny Macintyre is to be presented by The Scottish Parliament, supported by BBC Scotland.

The Kenny Macintyre Award for Scottish Parliamentary Journalism will be presented to the print media or broadcast journalist aged under 30 who, in the view of judges, has produced the best coverage of some aspect of the Parliament’s work.

The Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has approved the memorial award, which was initially suggested by Deputy Presiding Officer George Reid MSP when he led the Parliament’s tributes to Kenny Macintyre shortly after the journalist’s death in May.

Commenting on the award, Mr Reid said:

"With the death of Kenny Macintyre, this Parliament and its media gallery lost a good friend and a fine broadcaster. His was a unique voice, one that would have reported and interpreted our proceedings like no other.

"All of us who were privileged to work with Kenny know that he was a man with all the qualities of a great reporter: informed judgement; independence of mind; quite extraordinary perseverance in pursuit of a story; and a contacts book without equal.

"I am delighted that the SPCB has accepted my proposal that, as a permanent memorial, the Kenny Macintyre annual award be given to the young press or broadcasting journalist who has provided the best coverage of our proceedings. This will help to recognise in others some of the unique qualities that Kenny brought to his trade.

"We have consulted Kenny’s family on this proposal and they are particularly keen that the award should encourage young journalists resident in Scotland. We are more than happy to honour that wish."

John McCormick, Controller of BBC Scotland added:

"This is an entirely appropriate tribute to Kenny’s memory and one which should encourage young journalists working in Scotland to develop and maintain the highest standards of journalism. Rigour, accuracy and fairness were Kenny Macintyre’s trademark qualities and I hope that through this award we will help inspire them in others."

The SPCB has agreed that the first competition should be formally advertised next May, with judging taking place in July and the award ceremony taking place in September 2000.

The winning journalist will receive a cash prize of £2,000, provided jointly by the SPCB/Scottish Executive and BBC Scotland along with a two week attachment to BBC Scotland’s newsroom or a specific programme.

The judging panel will consist of the Presiding Officer or his representative, a newspaper editor, the Head of News and Current Affairs at BBC Scotland, an academic and representatives of the political parties.