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Journalist becomes editor of hometown paper

A journalist who started his career at his hometown paper more than 10 years ago has now been appointed its editor.

Ally McGilvray has been chosen to take the helm at the Border Telegraph and sister title the Peeblesshire News replacing Stuart Laundy who is now working as a reporter at The Northern Echo.

Ally, whose first job as a paper boy included delivering both weeklies, started his career as a trainee reporter for the titles in his home town of Galashiels in 2001 after being named one of the best young journalism students in Scotland.

He rejoined the papers as a senior reporter in 2008 after moving to work in Wick, Aberdeen and Alloa and also writing for The Sun, The Scotsman and the Daily Mail.

Ally, second left, is pictured with his team, from left, Alan Ferguson, David Knox and Graham Ford.

In a separate move at Clyde and Forth Press, regional editor Robbie Scott has been promoted to become editor-in-chief of all the East of Scotland titles in the publisher’s portfolio, including the Alloa Advertiser.

He moves from being regional editor of the East Lothian Courier, the Border Telegraph and the Peeblesshire News to take charge of all the company’s titles which are under the Forth Weekly Press banner.

Ally said: “I am delighted to be appointed editor of my hometown paper the Border Telegraph and its sister title the Peeblesshire News.

“Having grown up with both titles, I am well aware of their proud past and, with an all local news team, look forward to continuing to provide a voice for the various local communities we represent.”

He will be supported by news editor David Knox, Galashiels-based reporter Alan Ferguson and Peebles-based reporter Graham Ford.

Martin Little, managing editor for Scottish weeklies at Clyde and Forth Press, said: “I am delighted to announce that Ally McGilvray has accepted the position of editor at the Border Telegraph and Peeblesshire News.

“He will be directly responsible for the management of content, production, and presentation both in print and online, of both titles.

“Ally has been an excellent reporter on both these titles for the past four years and has developed an excellent understanding of the Borders communities.

“I am confident he is now ready to step up to this senior position, and I am certain that his colleagues will join with me in wishing him every success in his new role.”