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Scottish journalist Ranald Allan has been operating as a media consultant since leaving the editorship of the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette at the end of 1999 on his 52nd birthday.

His new role has proved wide ranging and has involved working with newspapers and taking on production roles at other publications - as well as a host of other activites.

"I've been pretty busy and had plenty of variety but I miss the buzz and urgency of newspapers," said Ranald Allan, who is also a former chairman of the Northern Region Guild of Editors.

"My most satisfying time during the year has been working with the staff of newspapers to improve their efficiency and operational systems."

This is an area where Ranald has great expertise, having presented at numerous national, European and World conferences on editorial subjects, newspaper internet strategy, newspapers in education, application of new editorial production systems and various other topics.

His workload takes in reviewing editorial operations on newspapers; writing media communications strategies for a range of organisations; planning, editing and managing the production of publications; buying advertising space for clients; producing articles for regional and national magazines and some media training.

Always the one for gadgets, Ranald tries to use the latest technology to the max.

He remains based on Teesside but has plans to return to his native Aberdeenshire.

"My new role has taken me around the country but by using modern communication tools I'm never out of touch. I could be based in the Outer Hebrides and still deliver the goods."

Operating as RAMS (Ranald Allan Media Solutions) he has set up a small network of self employed former newspaper staff and other specialist support to be able to offer a full media agency service if required.

"Negotiating rates, buying and tracking advertising space from newspapers and magazines was a new experience for me and has been a real eye-opener," added Ranald.

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