Catriona Stewart: Award-Winning Scottish Journalist and Broadcaster

Catriona Stewart is one of Scotland’s most accomplished and respected journalists, known for her intelligent reporting, engaging columns, and insightful commentary on politics, education, and social issues. As of 2025, she serves as the Education Correspondent at The Scotsman while maintaining an active presence in broadcasting and public engagement.

Her career has spanned over two decades of reporting, feature writing, and broadcasting — earning her major recognition such as Columnist of the Year 2025 and the prestigious Nicola Barry Award 2025. Renowned for her balance of empathy, accuracy, and fearless journalism, Catriona Stewart represents the modern voice of Scottish media — thoughtful, credible, and grounded in community awareness.

Catriona Stewart Early Life and Education

Academic Foundations

Catriona Stewart’s academic background forms the cornerstone of her journalistic career. She holds an MLitt in English Language and Literature from the University of Glasgow, completed in 2004, followed by an MPhil in Journalism from the University of Strathclyde (2005–2006).

Her studies in literature and journalism gave her a dual strength — mastery of language and analytical thinking, combined with professional training in media ethics, storytelling, and investigative reporting. This academic journey prepared her to pursue journalism not just as a career but as a form of public service and truth-telling.

Nationality and Origins

Catriona Stewart is Scottish by nationality and legally British, proudly representing Glasgow as both her home and her reporting base. Her deep understanding of Scottish communities and local culture has shaped her journalism, making her one of the most authentic voices in national media.

Catriona Stewart Journalism Career

Early Career – The Scottish Daily Mail

Catriona Stewart began her professional career in 2004 as a Reporter at the Scottish Daily Mail, where she spent over five years learning the fast-paced dynamics of newsroom reporting. Covering a mix of hard news, human-interest features, and social affairs, she developed a reputation for clear, factual, and people-centred storytelling.

The Herald & Times Group: Fifteen Years of Impact

In 2009, she joined the Herald & Times Group, marking the beginning of a fifteen-year association with one of Scotland’s most prominent media organisations. Her rise within the group was steady and impressive:

• Group News Reporter (2009–2019): Reporting for The Herald, Evening Times, and Sunday Herald, focusing on education, features, and community stories.

• Chief Reporter (2019–2022): Leading investigations on crime, courts, and social affairs. Her reporting on Glasgow’s south side communities highlighted issues of diversity, inequality, and resilience.

• Columnist (2010–2024): Writing weekly opinion pieces that balanced sharp analysis with humanity. She was shortlisted ten times for Columnist of the Year at the Scottish and Regional Press Awards.

• Writer-at-Large (2022–2024): Producing in-depth features and long-form narratives on politics, culture, and Scottish identity.

Her long tenure at the Herald & Times Group positioned her among Scotland’s most trusted and familiar media voices — a journalist equally at home with investigative news and personal storytelling.

Catriona Stewart at The Scotsman

Education Correspondent (2025–Present)

In August 2025, Catriona Stewart joined The Scotsman as its Education Correspondent, taking on a role that perfectly combines her journalistic skill and her long-standing interest in education policy. She reports on the state of Scottish education, policy reform, teacher training, student welfare, and the challenges of inequality within schools and universities.

Her reporting is characterised by fairness, factual precision, and compassion — qualities that make her writing accessible to both policymakers and everyday readers. Stewart’s education coverage connects social issues to human experiences, giving a voice to teachers, students, and parents across Scotland.

A Year of Recognition and Awards

The year 2025 has been a milestone in her career. Catriona Stewart won Columnist of the Year and the Nicola Barry Award, both celebrating her contribution to journalism and social commentary. She was also shortlisted for Reporter of the Year 2025, confirming her continued excellence in both analysis and hard-news reporting.

Her awards reflect a blend of integrity, persistence, and originality — traits that have defined her professional ethos throughout her career.

Catriona Stewart as a Broadcaster and Political Commentator

Catriona Stewart is also a well-known broadcaster and political commentator, appearing regularly across radio and television platforms. Since 2020, she has been a regular contributor to Times Radio, where she provides commentary on Scottish politics, newspaper reviews, and public affairs.

She is known for her clear articulation, wit, and ability to contextualise complex political stories for national audiences. Her appearances on Times Radio and other outlets have strengthened her profile beyond print journalism, establishing her as one of Scotland’s leading multi-platform journalists.

In addition to her broadcasting work, she often serves as an event host and panel chair, moderating public discussions, conferences, and election debates. Her confidence, humour, and professionalism make her a sought-after voice at media events across the UK.

Teaching and Mentorship

Beyond her work in journalism, Catriona Stewart dedicates time to mentoring and education. She has been a Project Supervisor at the University of Glasgow since 2020, guiding Master’s students in the International Journalism programme.

Her involvement in academia highlights her commitment to the development of young journalists — emphasising ethical reporting, community engagement, and the social responsibilities of the press.

Awards and Achievements

• Columnist of the Year 2025

• Nicola Barry Award 2025

• Shortlisted Reporter of the Year 2025

• Ten-time finalist for Columnist of the Year at Scottish and Regional Press Awards

• Recognition for coverage of community journalism, social affairs, and education

Catriona Stewart’s achievements stand as evidence of both longevity and innovation — proving that meaningful journalism still thrives when grounded in truth and empathy.

Catriona Stewart Age and Personal Life

While her exact date of birth is not publicly disclosed, records show that Catriona Stewart completed her postgraduate studies in 2004. Based on this timeline, her estimated age in 2025 is between 42 and 45 years.

She resides in Glasgow, Scotland, where she remains deeply involved in community life. Outside journalism, she serves as a Children’s Panel member, contributing to Scotland’s child protection and welfare system. This voluntary role aligns with her professional focus on education and social justice, underscoring her commitment to the wellbeing of young people.

Her social media presence — notably on X (Twitter) as @CatrionaStewart — reflects her warm, approachable personality and active engagement with readers and fellow journalists.

Catriona Stewart Wikipedia-Style Overview

Catriona Stewart’s Contribution to Scottish Media

Catriona Stewart’s influence extends far beyond her titles. She is a key figure in shaping how Scottish media portrays education, politics, and social issues. Her ability to balance hard facts with human empathy allows her to connect with readers and listeners across all backgrounds.

As Vice-Chair of Women in Journalism Scotland (WIJ Scotland), she actively works to promote fairness, mentorship, and representation in the media industry — advocating for more inclusive storytelling and better opportunities for women in journalism.

Her thoughtful approach, ethical standards, and deep respect for communities make her a model for the next generation of reporters. Whether through her columns, broadcasts, or academic mentoring, she continues to influence how Scotland understands itself and its people.

Conclusion

In a profession often marked by change, Catriona Stewart stands as a symbol of consistency, integrity, and excellence. From her beginnings as a local reporter to her role as Education Correspondent at The Scotsman, her career reflects the power of journalism to inform, inspire, and uplift.

A Scottish journalist of rare depth, she blends professionalism with compassion — a combination that has earned her the trust of readers, the respect of peers, and the admiration of students and audiences alike.

Whether reporting from the newsroom, discussing politics on radio, or mentoring future journalists at the University of Glasgow, Catriona Stewart continues to shape the narrative of Scottish media with clarity, courage, and heart.

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