Editor and deputy at Paisley Daily Express take voluntary redundancy

The editor and deputy editor of the Paisley Daily Express, Scotland's smallest daily newspaper, have taken voluntary redundancy.

John Hutcheson is to be replaced as editor of the title, which recorded an average circulation of 5,965 in the second half of 2014 (down 12 per cent), by Cheryl McEvoy.

McEvoy, who will take over the Paisley title on 3 August, is currently editor of the Ayrshire Post.

Trinity Mirror, which owns both titles in its Media Scotland division, said in a statement that the Ayrshire Post has enjoyed a "great circulation success" under McEvoy. Its circulation in the second half of 2014 was 17,016, down 4 per cent, and it was named the Scottish Weekly Newspaper of the Year in 2014.

She said: “I've loved my time as editor of the Ayrshire Post but can't wait to take on the challenge at Paisley and build on the good work done there by John Hutcheson and his team over the last few years.”

She will be replaced by Rutherglen Reformer editor Kenny Smith. Smith's job will be taken up by his deputy, Douglas Dickie.

Smith said: “It's a real challenge taking on the editorship of Media Scotland's best-selling weekly paper and Cheryl has certainly set the bar very high. But I know she has built a great team there and I'm looking forward to working with them.”

Dickie said: “We're going to miss Kenny at Rutherglen, but I can't wait to get started in my new role. It's a real honour to be handed the editorship of such a great newspaper.”

Elsewhere, Media Scotland said that Irvine Herald editor Lorraine Howard is to take up the new position of commercial editor of the regional titles and Kilmarnock Standard editor Clair Fullarton is to edit the Herald also.

Hutcheson is to leave the Paisley Daily Express along with his deputy, Gavin Pennie. Both took voluntary redundancy as part of 20 Scotland job losses announced by Trinity Mirror in June.