The Shetland Weekly has announced a launch date of April 19.

The weekly newspaper delayed its first publication after losing a number of key staff.

The directors of The Shetland Weekly have purchased the titles of The Shetland Post and 60 Degrees North from Millgaet Media and the popular content of these will be integrated into the new weekly newspaper.

The contributed articles in 'The Post' and '60 North' were particularly popular with readers, and many of these will be featured along with a host of other up-to-date features in The Shetland Weekly.

Ryan Taylor has been appointed editor of The Shetland Weekly and Kerry Hooker has taken up the position of chief reporter.

Ryan is a Shetlander currently living with his family in Scalloway. He has a good knowledge of the local scene from the period with the Post and 60 North, and trained as a reporter with D C Thomson & Co in Fife - followed by a period at Grampian Television in Aberdeen before returning to Shetland in 2002.

Kerry has a journalism degree and has been working in the local media for six years with reporting experience on 60 Degrees North and The Shetland Post.

Maurice Mullay, interim managing director said: "The review of operations at The Shetland Weekly has paid handsome dividends. An attractive and appealing product will contribute greatly to the local media and enhance the image of the islands.

"News from around all the islands will be an important element of the news content. The enthusiastic and talented team at the North Ness have received tremendous support from the local public, industries, advertisers and retailers.

"A lot will be happening in Shetland this year and our reporters and designers are looking forward to bringing a new dimension to the Shetland Media."