THE National is featured in a top award ceremony shortlist following the nomination of the newspaper’s travel contributor.

Robin McKelvie, who has been a regular travel writer for the publication this year, primarily focusing on the incredible sights, activities and small businesses Scotland has to offer, is nominated in the “regional publication feature of the year” category at the Travel Media Awards 2022.

The prestigious awards ceremony celebrates the “very best” of the travel media sector, with top writers, publications and broadcasters from around the world on the shortlists this year.

McKelvie has been nominated for his travel feature on the Cowal peninsula, titled: “Seaplanes and artisan coffee roasters: Cowal emerges as a getaway for savvy Scots”.

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In the article the journalist whisks readers away on the seaplane to Loch Fyne, conjuring up images of outdoor infinity pools, fresh fish for lunch and a vibrant, creative community.

The writer tells of his trips to the Argyll Coffee Roasters, a brand new café opened next to the new Hayshed Gallery, and the Argyll Botany Company – a “retail oasis an ocean away from the world of supermarket hegemony”.

The National:

McKelvie (above) also informs readers about rewilding and community ownership projects going on in the area.

Reacting to news of the nomination, McKelvie said: “Always a bonus as a writer to be recognised in a way like this. That it is an article on a part of Scotland I love for a newspaper I read makes it all the more special.”

Laura Webster, The National’s News and Features Editor, said she was thrilled to see McKelvie’s work recognised.

“Being able to commission McKelvie is such a joy for the team,” she said. “Having a regular contributor who shows off the very best of Scotland – from its hospitality to its natural environment and incredible food and drink sector – is really important to us.

“Working towards independence isn’t just about politics, as crucial as that is to us. Showing off all of Scotland’s amazing assets is so important too, to ensuring people understand we are big enough, rich enough and smart enough.”

Subscribers are able to read McKelvie’s work here.