Former Scotsman editor Mike Gilson has been confirmed as the new editor of Independent News & Media’s Belfast Telegraph newspaper.
He replaces Martin Lindsay who has retired last week after 47 years with the paper, the last four of which he spent as editor.
Gilson, who had been widely tipped to take on the role, will start next week.
He said that under his editorship the daily paper would continue to campaign and investigate without “fear or favour”.
“We will also give our total support to good works and deeds that improve the lives of our readers…
“I am absolutely delighted to be taking the helm of such a prestigious newspaper as the Belfast Telegraph at such a significant time in the history of Northern Ireland.
“I hope to continue the finest traditions of the newspaper and maintain the high standards laid down by Martin Lindsay.”
Gilson left the Scotsman after two and a half years as its editor in February just as parent company Johnston Press started the process to merge its newsroom with that of its sister paper, Scotland on Sunday.
His departure coincided with the departure of several other senior editorial figures at Edinburgh-based Scotsman Newspapers, including Scotland on Sunday editor Les Snowdon who left to join the Daily Mail as sports editor.
Prior to joining the Scotsman, in September 2006, Gilson edited The News, in Portsmouth, for six years.
He has also edited the Peterborough Evening Telegraph and held senior management positions at The Western Mail, Cardiff and the Hull Daily Mail.
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