The Hockey Writers’ Club (HWC) has recognised journalist Nigel Duncan, who writes for The Edinburgh Reporter about many sports including hockey, with the Graham Wilson Award for Services to Media.
Nigel said he was both stunned and surprised at the presentation of the award.
The prize is named in memory of the late Daily Express hockey journalist Graham Wilson who died in 2016, and past winners include Barry Davies, MBE.
Over the years Duncan, 75, has covered many sports including football, particularly the Men in Maroon but also more recently Livingston, speedway, boxing and ice hockey for The Edinburgh Reporter as well as many other Scottish news outlets.
Son Christopher is now Scotland women’s coach, but when he first started playing for Inverleith HC aged 10, some 25 years ago, the club asked if Nigel could write about the games.
Nigel said: “The whole object of the exercise was to try and raise the profile of hockey in Scotland.
“It’s such an important sport. There are lots of private schools with hockey pitches but it’s a sport you can easily take up, it’s not that expensive and hockey clubs are generally well priced.”
Nigel has since reported on club and international hockey for The Edinburgh Reporter, The Daily Record and The Edinburgh Evening News, extending the coverage into local radio.
Nigel said: “All my contributions have been as a volunteer over the last six years since I retired from mainstream journalism.
His son Chris said: “As a champion of multiple sports over multiple years, the commitment to giving hockey players and coaches a voice and presence has been exceptional.
“Nigel to most, but Dad to me, It’s been a real pleasure to have him so close to the sport and being a champion for so many.”
Nigel is preparing for a trip to the Scottish Open this week where he will cover the ups and downs of the golf.
Read all of Nigel’s 1,822 articles written for The Edinburgh Reporter here.
The HWC first awarded the Graham Wilson award in 2016.
The Hockey Writers’ Club has a proud tradition of awards dating back to 1983, recognising the male and female Player of the Year, numerous Youth Awards and honours for Services to Hockey. The awards, voted by members of sports media, are held in high regard by the players and hockey family alike.
