Ian Rutherford, a long-serving and popular photographer with The Scotsman, has won the top press photography award for a record fourth time. He was crowned First ScotRail Press Photographer of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony in Glasgow’s Mitchell Theatre this evening (26 March). His previous Photographer of the Year wins were in 1994, 1997 and 1998. Ian also collected the award for Picture Essay of the Year and was Highly Commended in Sports Photographer of the Year. His striking images included: - Troops from the Royal Regiment of Scotland greeting their families on return from Iraq - Michael Hamilton, father of murdered Vicki Hamilton, at Linlithgow Sheriff Court during the Peter Tobin hearing. - QC Donald Findlay turning his camera on the waiting press - Ospreys in Speyside - The Scottish Open Golf; and - The O’Neil Highland Open surfing competition Former Fleet Street picture editor Ken Lennox, chairman of the judges, said: “Ian’s images show tremendous range across news, sport and features - a great set of pictures. He’s consistent, patient, poetic, observant and a complete perfectionist. A very worthy winner in a strong category.” Denis Straughan, who received a Lifetime Achievement award and worked with Rutherford at The Scotsman, added: “Ian is one of the best photographers I’ve ever known.” Other award winners included: Features Photographer of the Year - Donald MacLeod, of The Scotsman. Ken Lennox said: “Very considered work and it’s good to see someone having fun with features photography.” Celebrity Picture of the Year - Sunday Mail/freelance photographer Mark Anderson for his photograph of Coldplay front man Chris Martin asleep on a Scottish ferry. “A lovely observational image which really stood out. You really feel caught in the moment.” Runner-up in the celebrity category was Gordon Terris of The Herald with a shot of Sir Bob Geldof. “An iconic image of one of the few heroes of our time. Very striking image, reminiscent of the Lincoln Memorial.” Newspaper of the Year - Sunday Herald. “Nice spreads, well worth buying. Intelligent changes of pace” said the judges. Highly Commended in the Newspaper category – the Daily Record. “They showed an exceptionally brave commitment to highlight the knife crime issue. A fantastic set of images.” Two titles tied for Magazine/Supplement of the Year: The Herald - “A lively looking magazine, well put together. The front pages are strong and the photos throughout really catch your attention; and Sunday Times Ecosse. “Stunning pictures which take you through the story, page after page. Strong reflection of news values. An impressive package.” Sports Photographer of the Year - Freelancer, Ian MacNicol. “Nice clean shots that sparkle with life. You can tell that he is in total command of his camera and his pictures.” Andrew Milligan from the Press Association won two categories: News Picture of the Year for an image of Vicki Hamilton’s father being restrained by police as Peter Tobin left court after being charged with her murder; and the Open category – voted for by the public - with an amusing shot of a young Highland cow in the snow. All winning and highly commended images are available view in the 2007 Gallery (left). In addition, sponsor First ScotRail is arranging to showcase the winners at railway stations and other venues in Scotland. Mary Dickson, managing director of First ScotRail, said: “We hope that the Scottish public will enjoy viewing these photographs as much as we have. I would like to congratulate everyone and thank them for supporting the awards.” WINNERS Photographer of the Year Ian Rutherford, The Scotsman Picture Essay of the Year Ian Rutherford, The Scotsman Highly Commended: Kirsty Anderson, Sunday Herald Features Photographer of the Year Donald MacLeod, The Scotsman Sports Photographer of the Year Ian MacNicol, Freelance Highly Commended: Ian Rutherford, The Scotsman Local Photographer of the Year John McIntyre, Freelance Highly Commended: Gordon Fraser, East Lothian News Young Photographer of the Year No award Student Photographer of the Year Claire Cox, Stevenson College Edinburgh Highly Commended: Johnny Mclauchlan, Glasgow Metropolitan College News Picture of the Year Andrew Milligan, Press Association Sports Picture of the Year Tom Main, Freelance Judges’ Commendation: Rebecca Lee, Ideal Images Celebrity Picture of the Year Mark Anderson, Sunday Mail/Freelance Highly Commended: Gordon Terris Newspaper of the Year Sunday Herald Highly Commended: Daily Record Magazine/Supplement of the Year Herald Magazine – joint winner Sunday Times ‘Ecosse’ – joint winner Open Category Andrew Milligan, Press Association First ScotRail Employee Photographer of the Year John Hay Highly Commended: Alan Wallace Judging Panel Ken Lennox, ex-picture editor of The Sun Colin Cavers, Documentary photographer and lecturer at Napier College Edinburgh Paul Delmar, Head of Photo-journalism training, National Council for Training of Journalists Stan Hunter, ex Picture Editor, Scottish Daily Express Ray Wells, Picture Editor, Sunday Times