Everyone interested in news in Argyll and the Isles and beyond will feel a very real regret at Stewart MacKenzie’s decision, announced in his paper today, 9th January, to step down as Editorial Director of The Oban Times.
He has been editing the paper for 13 years and during his time it has progressively hit a new level of engagement and of news provision.
He has spoken of the reasons for his decision, with which everyone identifies. He has had to confront family tragedy on an unimaginable scale. Everyday concerns assume a very different proportion in these circumstances.
He has been a strong and attractive public presence for the Oban TImes Group of local papers. He has been a good and interesting voice for the principal title and he has seen notable community service by the paper.
His influence and his editorial drive has also seen the Argyllshire Advertiser, the mid-Argyll title, improve beyond recognition to the paper it is today.
Stewart MacKenzie has focused mainly on remembering the undertandable enticements of community stories – but, while he has mentioned it in passing, who will not remember his editorship for the fabulous coverage the Oban Times was able to provide on its website – with video footage showing us all the dimensions of the horror of the fire on the Yeoman Bontrup at its berth in the Glensanda Quarry?
We hope that he continues to take the pleasure he has earned and that we all share from what his titles achieved under his directorial and editorial steering.
