Mike Edwards OBE: A Legacy of Journalism, Military Service, and Advocacy
Michael Andrew Edwards OBE VR DL is a distinguished Scottish figure whose life has been defined by a commitment to public service. From a four-decade career in journalism and active military duty in conflict zones to his current roles as a charity trustee and Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Edwards has consistently balanced professional excellence with a deep sense of civic duty.
A Diverse Career in Journalism
Mike Edwards spent 40 years in the media industry, beginning his journey in 1986 as a trainee reporter for the Inverness Courier. His career spanned various mediums, including stints at Radio Forth, Radio Tay, and Moray Firth Radio, before he transitioned back to print as a sports correspondent for The Press and Journal in Inverness.
His career was not without challenges; Edwards was among 120 journalists dismissed for their membership in the National Union of Journalists, leading to a year spent on picket lines. This turning point led him to Switzerland, where he worked for the World Service of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation in Bern. During this period, he covered pivotal global events, including the fall of the Iron Curtain, the Soviet Coup, and the first Gulf War.
In 1993, Edwards joined Scottish Television (STV), where he served as a reporter for 26 years until his retirement in 2019. His presence in the industry even extended to the screen, where he made a cameo appearance in the 100th episode of the STV crime drama Taggart on Christmas Eve 2009.
Military Service and Operational Tours
Parallel to his media career, Edwards has served as a major in the Army Reserve since 1994. His commitment to the military saw him mobilised for active service in both Iraq and Afghanistan, where he experienced repeated enemy fire. His tour in Iraq concluded upon reaching Saddam Hussein's river palace in Basra.
The intersection of his military and literary interests began in Kabul, where he wrote his first novel, Friendly Fire, published in April 2006. His dedication to the reserves was formally recognized in May 2022, when he was named Reservist of the Year.
Literary Contributions and Personal Advocacy
Edwards has authored three books that mirror the different chapters of his life. Following his first novel, he published The Road Home in May 2018, an autobiographical travelogue detailing a coast-to-coast journey across the USA visiting five towns named Inverness.
His third book, 'You're Seeing It!', provides a comprehensive look at his life as a Scottish journalist and soldier. Crucially, it documents his experience caring for his mother, Margaret, who lived with dementia until her passing in 2019 at age 91. Edwards used the proceeds from this book to support the establishment of a dementia charity focused on campaigning to ban heading the ball in football.
Public Service and Charitable Work
Since retiring from STV, Edwards has dedicated himself to supporting military veterans and those affected by dementia. He serves as an ambassador and campaigner for Alzheimer Scotland and is a caseworker for the service charity SSAFA.
His leadership extends to several trustee roles, including:
- Erskine (military charity)
- The Highlanders Museum at Fort George
- The Royal Highland Fusiliers Trust
- Glasgow Humane Society
Additionally, he volunteers with Crimestoppers Scotland. In June 2021, he was appointed Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire.
Key Facts
- Honours: Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2022 Birthday Honours.
- Military Rank: Major in the Army Reserve.
- Journalism: 40-year career including STV and the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation.
- Authorship: Wrote three books: Friendly Fire, The Road Home, and 'You're Seeing It!'.
- Civic Role: Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire since June 2021.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Professional Career | Journalist (40 years), STV Reporter (26 years) |
| Military Service | Army Reserve Major; served in Iraq and Afghanistan |
| Key Awards | OBE, Reservist of the Year (2022) |
| Charitable Focus | Military veterans, Dementia care, Animal welfare |
| Public Office | Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mike Edwards' most notable military decorations?
In addition to his OBE, he holds the Operational Service Medal Afghanistan, the Iraq War Medal, the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal (with four clasps for 30 years of service), and Jubilee medals for the Queen's Golden, Diamond, and Platinum anniversaries, as well as the King's Coronation Medal.
Which books has Mike Edwards written?
He has written three books: the novel Friendly Fire (2006), the autobiographical travelogue The Road Home (2018), and the autobiography 'You're Seeing It!' (2022).
What is the purpose of the charity funded by 'You're Seeing It!'?
Proceeds from the book are intended to help set up a dementia charity that campaigns to have heading the ball banned in football.
What roles does he hold within the charitable sector?
He is a trustee for Erskine, the Highlanders Museum, the Royal Highland Fusiliers Trust, and the Glasgow Humane Society, and serves as a caseworker for SSAFA and an ambassador for Alzheimer Scotland.
Where did Mike Edwards work during the fall of the Iron Curtain?
He worked in Bern for the World Service of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, covering the fall of the Iron Curtain, the Soviet Coup, and the first Gulf War.