Scotsman editor John McGurk is to leave the newspaper.

He has been in the editor's chair at the title since November 2004, when he became the first journalist to have edited all three Scotsman Publications' titles.

He had been editor of the Edinburgh Evening News from 1995 to 1997 and Scotland on Sunday from 1997 to 2001, and prior to his current role was editorial director across all three newspapers.

He will leave The Scotsman on June 26.

Announcing his decision, John told readers: "I would like to thank a very talented editorial staff for supporting my editorship.

"I wish them and The Scotsman the best of success for the future. It has been a privilege to edit The Scotsman and I am very proud of my achievement."

Managing director Michael Johnston said: "I would like to thank John for his tremendous contribution. I regret his decision but he leaves with our best wishes."

John also previously edited the Sunday Sun in Newcastle, from 1989 to 1991, and is a former member of the Press Complaints Commission and a former chairman of the editors' committee of the Scottish Daily Newspaper Society.