Former Arbroath Herald reporter Brian Stormont is to return to the paper as editor.

Brian, currently editor of the Glenrothes Gazette, will rejoin the paper where he began his career, and says he is looking forward to taking charge at his home town newspaper.

The 34-year-old will also be responsible for the Carnoustie Guide & Gazette, and will succeed Craig Nesbit – who is leaving to pursue a career in publishing – in January.

Brian said: “It is where I cut my teeth so it is exciting and it has always been my ambition to edit my home town paper.

“To get the chance to do that is fantastic and will be a big challenge.”

Brian was appointed editor of the Glenrothes Gazette in August 2003, having been its chief reporter for 18 months.

During his time there the paper has been praised for its coverage, particularly its sensitivity following the deaths of three local people killed by a drink driver, and of two soldiers from the area who were killed in Iraq.

The tragic deaths of the two soldiers also prompted a campaign by the Gazette to give the town its own war memorial, and it has just launched a drive to raise £50,000 so that one can be built by Remembrance Sunday next year.

Brian said: “I will be sad to go and have really enjoyed my time here, but this is too good an opportunity to miss.

“The Herald is already a good paper and I expect to make a few improvements and build on the good work of the previous editor.”

Brian began his career as a reporter on the Arbroath Herald and Carnoustie Guide & Gazette in 1989, undertaking a three-and-a-half year apprenticeship.

The titles have a joint circulation of 10,097 (ABC, Jan to June 2006).