The Press Complaints Commission's chairman has spoken of the important role Scottish newspapers play in the system of self-regulation and how they will have a "key role" in the evolution of the PCC.

During a meeting of the Scottish Newspaper Publishers Association in Dunkeld, Sir Christopher Meyer acknowledged the "very special nature of the Scottish newspaper industry", with its diverse and competitive range of titles, and said this had been recognised in his recent tour of the UK.

He said: "I made clear at the start of my Chairmanship my determination swiftly to get around the country, to hear the views of publishers, editors and all those with a stake in the future of self regulation.

"Scotland was one of the first places to which I headed, with a visit last week to Dundee, Falkirk and Edinburgh.

"This beautiful village of Dunkeld is my second stop north of the border, and it is an honour to be here.

And he told how he would be returning next month, to Edinburgh and Glasgow, and planned many more regular visit to Scotland.

Sir Christopher also applauded the high standards of the Scottish newspaper industry - the only part of the British newspaper industry where the PCC issued no critical adjudications last year.

He said: "That does not mean to say all Scottish newspapers have a clean bill of health. Complacency is not part of my make-up.

"But it does mean, I think, that standards are very high throughout the industry here – and that when something goes wrong, editors are quick to put it right. That is what self regulation and our work is all about."

He added: "During the next few months, I will be seeking a wide range of views on my proposals to enhance the independence, transparency, visibility and accountability of the Commission.

"Publishers and editors in Scotland will have a central role in that, and I look forward to working with you on our central missions: to raise newspaper standards, and to serve the public throughout the country."

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