The editor of one of the UK’s most northerly papers has taken up a new role with the NHS.

John Ross Scott has been editor of Orkney Today since he set it up four years ago.

He is now chairman of NHS Orkney but will continue working at the paper until next month.

John said: “I will chair all meetings on health issues and scrutinise everything that goes on in Orkney. I was a councillor for 23 years but in 2003 I lost my election.

“I set this up in 2003 and it’s been really popular, giving The Orcadian (rival paper) a run for its money.

“We started up a new group called the Orkney Media Group and bought The Orcadian.

“I initially did health work for Orkney Today but came away for editorial reasons.

“I kind of miss the public sector and I got a real buzz from being a councillor.”

During his 30-year career John worked in the Borders region for the Hawick Express, Hawick News and Kelso Chronicle as well as 14 years as health reporter with the Southern Reporter before moving to the Orkneys.

However, the 56-year-old will not be leaving the industry altogether as he has vowed to do freelance work and write features after leaving the paper on January 11.

Chief reporter Robert Leslie is currently acting editor as they search for a new boss.