Scotland on Sunday editor Les Snowdon has quit the Johnston Press weekly to become the new sports editor with the Daily Mail in London.

Les has been in the editor's chair in Edinburgh since autumn 2006 having previously been editor and sports editor of the Sunday Times Scotland and deputy sports editor of the Sunday Times in London.

It is not known exactly when he will take up the new role.

Scotland on Sunday deputy editor Tom Little and associate editor Kenny Farquharson are thought to be in the running to replace Les.

A company statement said: "Les Snowdon, editor of Scotland on Sunday, has decided to leave the company to take up a new role as sports editor of the Daily Mail based in London.

"We would like to thank Les for his strong contribution to the company and wish him well in his new role.

"Announcements regarding his leaving date and a replacement will be made in due course."