New adventure for charities reporter Imogen James set to leave the Highlands after securing hotly contested place on BBC’s prestigious advanced journalism apprenticeship
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A Highland reporter who has been doing her bit to support a host of charities across the region is moving on to pastures new.
Imogen James (22), who from Drumnadrochit, has been Highland News and Media's live events and charities reporter since joining straight from Glasgow University last year.
While there she had worked on a number of online magazines and edited university publication, G-You Magazine.
She is now taking the next step in her career after securing a hotly contested place on the BBC’s prestigious advanced journalism apprenticeship.
Having racked up a number of front pages and features, as well as producing stacks of online copy, she said she had enjoyed every minute of working with Ross-shire Journal parent publisher, Highland News and Media.
“I felt so lucky they took a chance on me,” she said.
“Because of HNM, I had a great introduction into professional journalism, got to meet so many amazing people and tell their stories, and learn from some of the best.
“It’s been such a pleasure working with so many charities and learning more about what they do. I feel privileged to have had this chance.
“A highlight for me was covering Belladrum this year as I have been seven times.
“It was so fun meeting musicians and doing a variety of interviews.
“I’ve also made such a good bond with the Highland Hospice as I ran the Strictly Inverness campaign, so I wish them all the best.
“It’s been a great experience and I will hopefully be back one day!”
Miss James beat thousands of applicants for her new BBC role, and is one of only 17 people hired for the esteemed traineeship which will see her working in London for the next two years.
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She will also be training with the University of Kent and working towards receiving a Level 7 apprenticeship and the industry recognised NCTJ National Qualification in Journalism.
She said she is most excited to learn radio skills on her course as it will broaden her horizons and capabilities.
Content editor Andy Dixon said: “We’re sorry to see Imogen go but we’re pleased she has such a great opportunity.
“Hopefully she believes that the freedom to cover events and charities for HNM will form a firm foundation to build a career on.
“Any ambitious young reporter aiming high and heading to London to work for the BBC reflects well on all of us.
“She came to us with an impressive amount of enthusiasm.
“If she maintains this and remembers some of the words of wisdom we’ve passed on, her potential should be limitless.”
