The editor of The Scotsman, Neil McIntosh, has announced his resignation according to an email which The Edinburgh Reporter has seen.
At almost the same time as the resignation was announced the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) have written to the owner of the paper – National World – accusing it of causing the demise of the paper in a “death by a thousand cuts”.
Alan Young who is taking the position of Editor has worked with the Edinburgh Evening News since 2003 and has latterly been deputy editor of The Scotsman.
Mr McIntosh was appointed in February 2021 as the new editor following the purchase of the title by National World. During this time some members of staff worked in the WeWork building on George Street but operations have now moved to the Regus offices on Princes Street.
Whether or not the recent news with a quarter of the newsroom at risk of redundancy has any bearing is unclear, but the threat to a quarter of the editorial staff – to five posts – has led to action from the NUJ.
The NUJ has accused National World of being less than honest with its staff saying the editor “refused” to meet those who are at risk of losing their jobs. The Health correspondent, Joseph Anderson, has already announced that his post is one of those which is now redundant.
Nick McGowan-Lowe National Organiser of the NUJ wrote to Claire Jackson, HR and Communications Director at National World in a letter dated Monday. In it Mr McGowan-Lowe said: “We only see a short-term action that will have long-term negative implications for the business.”
The new editor, Alan Young said: “”I am deeply honoured to be taking over at the helm of The Scotsman, a title which I love and which has been such a huge part of my life. “Trusted, quality journalism has never been more important and I’m looking forward to working with the immensely talented team in the newsroom as we continue to grow and develop our content across all platforms.”
Alan Young will be supported by Dale Miller, who is appointed Deputy Editor, The Scotsman, and Steven Chisholm, who is appointed General Manager, The Scotsman.
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