Johnston Press reporter relocates to public library as newspaper office closes

A newspaper reporter will be based in a local library for three days a week as a Johnston Press title moves to a new out-of-town base.

The office closure of the Milngavie and Bearsden Herald in Scotland is the latest in a series of proposed changes by Johnston Press as it aims to move its journalists to “more suitable” accommodation.

The paper reported that it will move from Milngavie to Kirkintilloch this week, around eight miles away, to join sister newspapers – The Kirkintilloch Herald, Bishopbriggs Herald and Springburn Herald.

From 25 April, Community reporter Laura Sturrock will be based three days a week at the Milngavie Library.

The weekly newspaper also said its reporters would be “out in the community more than ever” to meet people and get stories.

Editor Jim Holland told readers: “We are all committed to making this move work for the community.”

“It’s never easy when you are a few miles away, but we’re at the end of the phone, at the end of an email and will be out and about in the area as often as possible.

“While our office re-location to Kirkintilloch is the end of an era, modern technology means it’s also the start of something bold and new for our newspaper and website.”

Last year Johnston Press cut nearly a quarter of its workforce (1,300 jobs) as it sought to cut costs in order to pay back debts which currently stand at around £320m.

Johnston Press is currently engaged in a review of all its regional newspapers which has seen a number of offices close and widespread redundancies.

Topics in this article : Johnston Press