Catriona Stewart

As a twice-weekly columnist for The Herald for the past 14 years, Catriona Stewart’s “unique and often quirky” look at current affairs frequently leans on her personal experience. Judges loved reading her “strong package of writing on tough subjects that is nuanced, respectful of the differing views of her readers, and touching because of her willingness to give of herself”. 

Her column about alcohol addiction and the death of her father was particularly commended for being “considerate, honest, deeply personal and fascinating”. 

“There were several lines in the article about alcoholism that made me pause for a few seconds and I suspect she's expressed truths that have taken the words out of readers' heads and mouths,” said one judge.

While her comment piece on assisted dying included interviews with affected families and professionals in Canada and New Zealand – where assisted dying is legalised – and an interview with broadcaster Prue Leith, it was her use of her own personal experience that judges, once again, appreciated the most. 

Stewart’s columns, according to judges, “contained variety, empathy, stylish writing, personal context, sensitivity, nuance, research, but most of all they were surprising – I could not predict the destination of the most enjoyable journeys”.