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New editor for Scottish islands weekly

One of the UK’s most northerly newspapers has appointed a new editor.

Paul Riddell, currently senior assistant editor at The Scotsman, will be in the hot seat in his hometown at The Shetland Times.

Paul, (36), who has been in his current role for the past three-and-a-half years in Edinburgh, will start on May 21.

His journalism career has included 14 years working for the national press including the Daily Mail in London and Mail on Sunday in Glasgow.

Paul said: “It will be an honour and a privilege to edit such a distinguished newspaper.

“I’m excited at the prospect of coming home and being able to give something back to the community where I was brought up.”

Brian Johnston, managing director of the Shetland Times, said: “He’s a local man and we’re delighted to be taking him on board.

“It has taken a bit of time as it’s an important job.

“We had eight applicants in total but he has a great track record in the industry, moving up through various news desks.

“I’m very confident we have the right man.”

The current editor, Jonathan Lee, is due to leave in three weeks time after a turbulent period for the paper.

In December a vote of no confidence was taken in Mr Lee who is set to be the editor at the North West Evening Mail, in Barrow-in-Furness.