A PHOTOGRAPHER whose career spanned half a century, including two decades at the Scottish Daily Express and another two at the Daily Record, is to be recognised tonight with a Lifetime Achievement award.
Ian Torrance is to receive the accolade in Glasgow at the annual First ScotRail Press Photography Awards.
Twelve years ago, he received a MBE for services to photojournalism. After going freelance in 1999, he retired three years ago. At the Record, he was its chief photographer.
Ian will pick up his award from Stewart Stevenson MSP.
Said Ian: “My career gave me the opportunity to see the world and witness some of the most momentous news and sporting events of the last century.
“I’ve met many fascinating people and seen harrowing sights that I will never forget but the camera acts as a barrier allowing you to capture a true moment in time.”
Some of the major news events Ian covered include the Lockerbie and Kegworth air disasters, the wedding of Charles and Di, the 1982 World Cup and military conflicts in Northern Ireland, Kosovo and the Gulf.
He says his most memorable assignments were the arrival of the thousands of South Vietnamese boat people to Hong Kong, meeting Mother Theresa and the plight of the Kosovan refugees.
Chair of the awards’ judging panel, Ken Lennox, added: “Ian and I worked together for many years and I can’t think of anyone who deserves this award more.
“He is extremely well respected in the industry and when asking for nominations for the award, Ian’s name was top of everyone’s list.”
