THE National has been nominated for five Scottish Refugee Council Media Awards.
The annual event celebrates ethical journalism around refugee and asylum issues, and aims to "acknowledge the journalists who are focused on truth, storytelling and humanity".
The newspaper's five award nods make it the most nominated organisation at this year's ceremony.
The National has picked up three out of four nominations in the best feature category, with political journalist Abbi Garton-Crosbie and freelancers Chloe Smith and Natalie Berry all shortlisted.
The stories range from a feature on a Ukrainian refugee providing English classes for those navigating new lives in Scotland, to a Sudanese refugee's "harrowing" journey to the country and a piece looking at how an Edinburgh climbing centre is supporting those freshly arriving here.
Elsewhere in the news section, political reporters James Walker and Xander Elliards are nominated for their pieces "Home Office blocks Paisley refugee family from reunion with dying son" and "Are we political tools?’: Syrian families speak out amid fear of Labour deportations".
Meanwhile the BBC has picked up three nominations, while STV, The Guardian, the Glasgow Bell and DNG Media secured two each.
Sabir Zazai, chief executive of Scottish Refugee Council, said: “It is so important to acknowledge the journalists who are focused on truth, storytelling and humanity. It is clearer than ever that the language we use matters, and that misinformation is divisive and dangerous.
“This year’s nominees have told stories of resilience, community, fear, despair and hope. They have cut through harmful narratives, held decision makers to account and amplified the voices of people seeking refugee protection. They have used their impressive skillsets to unflinchingly reflect the realities for many in Scotland today. We look forward to working alongside journalists in the coming months and years to continue this vital work.”
The judging team includes experts from the National Union of Journalists, the University of Glasgow/Unesco REILA, the European Network on Statelessness, UNHCR, and representatives from refugee communities across Scotland.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on June 23.
The National Editor Laura Webster commented: "The nominated features exemplify our team's commitment to covering asylum and refugee issues in a human-focused way, highlighting the experiences of refugees in Scotland, exploring the challenges they face, and giving them a voice to speak, rather than speaking for them.
"Meanwhile, we want to use our platforms as journalists to help those in need and highlight stories of injustice. The articles nominated in the news category highlight how our reporters bring cases of unfairness to light in an effort to push for change, raise awareness and positively impact on people's lives.
"The work of the Scottish Refugee Council is of incredible value, especially in the current climate, and we are honoured that our work has been acknowledged by their team of judges. Congratulations, too, to our fellow nominees for their fantastic articles."
