09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Mitch Reid: Tributes pour in for 'exemplary' Skye journalist following his death
A former Press and Journal reporter has been remembered for his 'exemplary' and 'outstanding' career following his death at the age of 71.
Mitch Reid devoted more than four decades of his life to the media industry.
Born on Skye, he followed his dreams of becoming a writer by joining The P&J as a trainee reporter back in 1974.
Through his 16-year tenure in Aberdeen, he and colleague Bert Ovenstone covered a host of major events, including the fatal accident enquiry into the 1986 Chinook crash, which killed 45.
Mitch and his wife Kate, a press photographer from Alness, became household names in the media scene, leaving a lasting legacy on the industry.
Working his way through the ranks, Mitch enjoyed a stint as fishing editor with the P&J before joining the picket line during the Aberdeen Journal's strike.
It marked the start of a new chapter in his career as he joined the Scottish press office team at British Telecom, known today as BT.
For 27 years, he was the voice of the organisation, until his retirement in 2018.
Growing up in Kyleakin, Mitch excelled as a Gaelic singer.
He competed in the 1967 Skye Provincial Mod, where he came runner-up to his Mod rival, Donnie Munro.
His luck soon turned, as he secured the James C. MacPhee Memorial Medal for boys' solo singing at the Royal National Mod in Glasgow.
There was a clear talent for singing – and he could have taken it further as Mitch was offered the chance to join his Skye schoolmates in forming a band.
Such was his passion for writing, he turned it down. Donnie Munro went on to form Runrig.
Decades on, Mitch is being remembered by friends and former colleagues as an 'outstanding individual' who went above and beyond for his craft.
He is survived by his wife Kate and daughter Rhianne Reid Armstrong.
Bob Dow, communications manager for Hub North Scotland, paid homage to Mitch's outstanding achievements.
Speaking to The Press and Journal, he said: 'Mitch was just an outstanding individual, both on a personal level and on a professional level.
'He was a brilliant journalist, and he was also the perfect communications expert who was completely unflappable and always delivered.
'He was so well respected by everyone. I don't think anyone would ever have had a bad word to say about him.
'He was just simply marvellous, and it's a sad loss, both personally and professionally.
'He will be sadly missed.'
Mr Dow, who previously worked for the Daily Record, recalls how the Skye journalist went above and beyond to provide a unique experience on the Fair Isle.
He said: 'I remember as a journalist, when I was with the Daily Record, he organised a brilliant trip for the media by helicopter when he flew out a group of us from Inverness to the Fair Isle for the unveiling of broadband up there.
'It was quite a big undertaking for them, but he pulled it off.
'He got some brilliant courage out of it, and we got some great stories.'
Mitch, accompanied by his wife, was a long-standing supporter of the Highlands and Islands Press Ball and Media Awards.
Chairman John Ross said the industry has lost a 'champion.'
John said: 'Mitch was an exemplary journalist and PR manager.
'He was diligent, knowledgeable and courteous and liked to help others.
'And he was also great company.
'Mitch was a keen supporter of the Highlands and Islands Press Ball and Media Awards and his support was invaluable in developing the event in its early years
'We have lost a great friend and colleague and a champion of the Highlands and Islands.'
