THE National's editor took home a major prize at this year’s Scottish Muslim awards.
Laura Webster won the An-Najashi Award for Supporting Muslims, an accolade given to a person or organisation not of the Muslim faith for supporting or campaigning for a Muslim cause.
It follows The National’s recent Refugees Are Welcome Here series, where we told the stories of refugees and asylum seekers who have made Scotland their home after fleeing war, persecution and other humanitarian crises.
Commenting, Webster said: "What an honour to receive the An-Najashi Award for Supporting Muslims at the Scottish Muslim Awards in Glasgow last night.
"In a time of increasing media hostility to Muslims, I'm so proud that The National has been recognised for its efforts to chart a different course and create media for a better, fairer, more equal future for Scotland.
"This award is dedicated to my team of amazing journalists who have provided such exceptional coverage of the genocide in Gaza, holding the UK Government to account on its complicity, and also working hard to challenge Islamophobia in our society through responsible reporting."
Webster added: "Thank you endlessly to the Scottish Muslim Awards for this recognition and for inviting me to celebrate your community's incredible achievements at this special event."
This year's ceremony took place in the Crowne Plaza Hotel on September 28, and was organised by Caledonia Connections SCIO.
Other winners from the ceremony include SNP councillor Zen Ghani, who won the Al Ihsan Award for Public Service, and Dr Yvonne Ridley – who is currently sailing to Gaza on the Omar Al-Mokhtar Flotilla – who won the Zainab Cobbold Award for Female of the Year.
The award honours individuals who have shown unwavering dedication to serving the community, whether through politics or otherwise, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
“Public service is about giving back, lifting up those who need it most, and making a real difference in people’s lives," Ghani said.
"It’s about fighting for a future where everyone, regardless of their background, has the chance to succeed. I’m proud to represent the Pollokshields Ward, and to work towards a society that is fair, inclusive, and just for all.
“At the same time, we can’t ignore the injustice happening beyond our borders. In these difficult times, I want to express my solidarity with the people of Palestine. Their struggle for freedom, peace, and dignity is something we should all stand behind. The fight for justice in Palestine is one that we must continue to support, side by side.
“Thank you again for this honour. It’s very much dedicated to the communities I serve and to all those who continue to fight for a better, more just world.”
Other success stories were seven-year-old Maya Ehsan (above), who won the Malik ibn Anas Young Muslim Award after raising thousands of pounds for charities in Palestine, and Bushra Iqbal MBE and Tufail Hussain Shah, who both picked up the Ertugrul Gazi Lifetime Achievement award.
Winners included representatives from sectors including healthcare, business, education, charity, sport and much more.
The full list of winners will be published shortly here.
