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Political post for Herald editor

Lennox Herald editor Bill Heaney is leaving the newspaper to become a special adviser to Scotland’s new First Minister Henry McLeish.

Mr Heaney, (55), who also edits the Clyde Weekly News, will work alongside the First Minister to promote devolution across Scotland.

He said: “My role at the Scottish executive will be to work with the First Minister and the media, particularly Scotland’s weekly newspapers and local radio, to deliver the devolution message right across the country.”

He began his career as a copy boy with the Scottish Daily Express in Glasgow where he became a staff reporter.

He left the Express to edit the Lennox Herald, a position he has held for nearly 30 years.

During this time, he also became the Dunbartonshire correspondent for a host of UK national papers and has covered nearly every major local story since.

He said: “I am sad to be leaving the Lennox Herald and Clyde Weekly News, where my experiences have ranged from tremendous to traumatic, but it would be unthinkable to turn down this new job.”

About his new role, he said: “It’s a challenging and exciting post, and I am looking forward to it.”

Charles Birrell, Director of Scottish and Universal Newspapers said: “We are extremely sorry to lose Mr Heaney’s services at this time, but this new post, which combines politics and journalism, is tailor-made for him.

“Its attractions are obvious and we wish him every success in the future.”

He will take up the new position next month.

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