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Highlands MSP given assurances after newspaper group job losses





Highlands North MSP Rob Gibson
Highlands North MSP Rob Gibson

A Highlands MSP has held a face-to-face meeting with the managing director of Scottish Provincial Press in Inverness to explore what the local newspaper group can do to create a secure future for its titles and employees.

Mr Rob Gibson, SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, expressed his concerns following the loss of 11 pre-press operatives at SPP Ltd which publishes the 'Strathy'.

The money-saving move to outsource to Indian workers has become a flashpoint in the region.

He said: "I am surprised that other parties and individuals have failed to meet the SPP bosses before this. I am very surprised that on return from abroad I am the first MSP to ask for a face-to-face meeting which provided a clear insight into the crisis for local papers in this digital age.

"SPP are committed to maintaining their 14 local newspaper offices and their 240 staff. Unlike many local paper groups in other parts of Scotland which are in chaos, Highland titles are much more stable.

"Like other daily and weekly papers they have lost readers and advertising but the SPP group is confident its back office changes will help balance the group’s finances in very tough times.

"I agree that the loss of 11 jobs in small north towns is bad news. However the bigger question we all must address is in what form will local news be delivered in ten years’ time?

"How many jobs will local newspapers require then?

"I have been pleased to open a dialogue with Thelma Henderson SPP’s MD in Inverness, and I’ll ask other community representatives to get the facts and join in a genuine debate about the future of local papers which serve each part of the Highlands."

Mr Gibson said he would also be scheduling a meeting with Union representatives to discuss the issue.


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