That the Parliament congratulates journalist and author, Jen Stout, from Fair Isle in Shetland, on being recognised at Scotland’s National Book Awards for her book, Night Train to Odesa: Covering the Human Cost of Russia’s War, which tells of her time reporting from Ukraine following the Russian invasion; understands that her book won the First Book of the Year Award, which identifies rising stars developing their talent; further understands that this award was chosen by judges from Saltire Scotland, who praised Night Train to Odesa as an "accomplished and beautiful work, blending journalism, memoir, history, art" in its coverage of Russian aggression in Ukraine, which moves between epic and intimate; notes that Jen’s book has received positive reviews in publications including The Times, The Observer and The Scotsman, as well as being selected as a Radio 4 Book of the Week; believes that the reception to Jen’s work is well-deserved; recognises what it sees as the importance of independent journalism covering conflict and war; commends Jen for her work in telling people’s stories from, it considers, such difficult circumstances, and wishes her well in her writing and journalism career.
Supported by:
Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Jackie Baillie, Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Stephanie Callaghan, Maggie Chapman, Sharon Dowey, Tim Eagle, Annabelle Ewing, Kenneth Gibson, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Bill Kidd, Liam McArthur, Stuart McMillan, Douglas Ross, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Tess White