Former war correspondent Mark Meredith, 66, has retired from Napier University after teaching young reporters for 11 years.
Mark Meredith was born in Buckinghamshire, along with his twin, in 1942.
His father was serving with the Canadian forces, and after a brief spell in England, the family returned to Canada.
Mark studied politics and economics at the University
of Ottawa in the early 1960s and in 1963 began to work for Reuters – one of the world's leading news agencies.
For 14 years Mark worked as a foreign correspondent. The job involved a lot of travelling and he spent time posted in Bonn, East Berlin, Prague, Saigon and the Caribbean.
During this time he covered some of the biggest news stories of the Cold War.
The Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 was a real experience for the young journalist.
He also spent time as a war correspondent during the Vietnam War in 1971-1972.
After a spell on the foreign desk of the Financial Times in London, Mark headed north to Edinburgh in 1981 as the paper's Scotland correspondent.
Only four years later, his career direction changed entirely when he joined Strathclyde University teaching practical journalism. He then made his move to Napier.
In 1999, he was made head of the postgraduate journalism programme and continued to teach at all levels. He helped teach thousands of students before his retirement from the university last month.
Mark, who lives in South Queensferry, now hopes to spend more time cycling and sailing.
Valerie recognised as a top volunteer
Valerie Will, from Livingston, has been presented with the Multiple Sclerosis Society's highest award for volunteering.
Valerie Will first began volunteering with the MS Society 23 years ago.
After positions as secretary and treasurer of the West Lothian branch, she went on to become chairperson.
An MS sufferer herself, she combines her work as chairperson with fundraising and visiting the homes of fellow sufferers.
She was presented with the Shining Star award – the society's highest recognition for a volunteer – at a special ceremony.
Mark Hazelwood, director of the MS Society Scotland, said: "Volunteers are the backbone of our work, carrying out a host of different roles to support people affected by MS. The Shining Star awards recognise really outstanding contributions and Valerie is undoubtedly one of our most deserving winners."
The Shining Star scheme was first put in place to recognise outstanding individual contributions by volunteers.
Lynda Boyce, the volunteer development manager for the MS Society Scotland, added: "Everyone in the West Lothian branch is very proud that Valerie has been recognised in this way.
"Her commitment and hard work have been an inspiration to everyone and she is highly valued by her colleagues."
The full article contains 463 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
