Archant's two regional newspaper publishing divisions in Scotland are to be merged into a single business unit with a new management structure, following a company review.

Archant Central Scotland and Archant North East Scotland will form Archant Central & North East Scotland.

Neville Keithley, who is currently regional director of Archant Central Scotland, will becomes managing director of the newly-formed operation.

Michael Robertson will remain as regional director of Archant North East Scotland, reporting to Neville.

Neville said: "This is a great opportunity to make the best use of the talent across both businesses and a platform on which to build greater returns from the Scottish businesses."

Based in Glasgow, Central Scotland also has offices in Motherwell and Ayr and publishes the weekly free 250,000-circulation Extra series.

North East Scotland has offices in Aberdeen, Fraserburgh and Ellon and publishes the weekly paid-for broadsheets the Buchan Observer, Fraserburgh Herald and Ellon Times, and the free newspaper The Wee Buchanie.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk