Portsmouth News editor Mike Gilson is to become the new editor of The Scotsman.

The 43-year-old has been editor of Johnston Press's daily newspaper in Portsmouth since 2000, and also previously edited the group's Peterborough Evening Telegraph.

He said: "I am delighted to be appointed to such a prestigious and challenging post. The Scotsman has a fantastic history and plays a pivotal role in Scottish life.

"I am a committed journalist and any newspaper I edit places itself at the centre of debate, sparks opinion and is talked about.

"The Scotsman I edit will tackle the issues of the day, addressing the concerns of its readership and the community as a whole."

Mike is a member of the Press Complaints Commission's code committee and Johnston Press's Editorial Review Group which advises the company board on editorial issues.

He is also chairman of the company's Digital Publishing Working Party advising on future digital newsroom operations.

His previous posts also include night editor of The Western Mail in Cardiff, and news editor of the Hull Daily Mail.

Mike's appointment follows that of Les Snowdon as editor of Scotland on Sunday.

Michael Johnston, managing director of Johnston's Scottish division, said: "Mike Gilson and Les Snowdon are two outstanding journalists.

"Their appointments underscore Johnston Press's commitment to The Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday's future as the nation's leading quality newspapers."

Mike succeeds John McGurk who left The Scotsman in June.