The editors of Newsquest's Sunday Herald and Evening Times newspapers in Glasgow have taken voluntary redundancy.
The Sunday Herald, edited by Richard Walker, was the only weekly, paid-for regional newspaper to increase its circulation in the first half of 2015, up 15.5 per cent year on year to 29,009. It was the only major newspaper in Scotland to back the Yes vote in last September’s independence referendum.
Following this success, Newsquest last year launched a new pro-independence daily, The National, which is also edited by Walker.
He will continue to work with The National as a consultant editor, Tim Blott, managing director of the Herald and Times Group, said in a statement.
In addition to Walker’s departure, the National Union of Journalists also announced this afternoon that Evening Times editor Tony Carlin has taken voluntary redundancy.
The Sunday Herald, National and Evening Times are all part of Newsquest's Herald and Times Group. Last month, Newsquest announced plans to make 20 editorial jobs redundant at the group – its third round of job cuts in the space of ten months.
Tony Carlin & Richard Walker-two long standing editors have put themselves up for redundancy as part of the latest cost cutting at Newsquest
— NUJ Scotland (@NUJScotland) September 22, 2015
The NUJ said that the announcement had sent "shockwaves" through Newsquest. The announcement of their departures led to a tribute from Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon:
My very best wishes to Tony Carlin & @richardwalker5 – both very fine newspaper editors who will be greatly missed https://t.co/4kH12OT9KV
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) September 22, 2015
Walker was named editor of the Sunday Herald 11 years ago this month. He was promoted from being deputy editor to replace Andrew Jaspan.
He has worked at the newspaper since its launch in February 1999.
Carlin was appointed editor of the Evening Times in December 2009, having previously been deputy editor.
The Evening Times recorded an average daily circulation of 29,951 in the first half of 2015, according to ABC.
Blott said in a statement: "I have worked with them for a number of years.
"They have been great ambassadors for the company and strong champions for their titles.
"I thank them for all they done and wish them every success in the future."
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