Scotsman Newspaper Bought by Johnston Press

Today is a good day. The Barclay Brothers have sold the Scotsman newspaper to Johnston Press. According to BBC News the sale also includes Edinburgh Evening News, Scotland on Sunday and the free Edinburgh Herald & Post.

Under the ownership of the Barclay Brothers and the stewardship of Andrew Neil, the Scotsman has lurched to the right and has ceased to reflect mainstream Scottish opinion. It is extremely doubtful that Andrew Neil will stay on in any capacity and this can only be a positive move.

Having even one major Scottish broadsheet move from a Conservative perspective to a neutral footing prior to 2007 would doubtless leave the Scottish National Party looking at the Scottish Parliament elections with renewed optimism and setting about their task with renewed vigour.

At this time of upheaval in Scotland's newspapers it may be worth reiterating that there is no major newspaper which supports the SNP. Will this change? It could be that this would increase the circulation of whichever newspaper is brave enough to grasp the thistle. Thirty percent of the electorate is a large sector to consistently ignore and their enthusiasm for newspapers may be rekindled if they see a newspaper finally reflecting their views.