Northern Scot editor Pauline Taylor has retired, being succeed by her deputy editor Mike Collins.

Pauline, (65), had worked for the Scottish Provincial Press title since 1979, working as chief reporter in its Moray office for 15 years.

Later she became news editor and was appointed as the weekly paper’s first woman editor in 2001.

She said: “It has been a great honour to be part of The Scot all these years and to play a part in voicing the concerns and triumphs of readers, and in chronicling the progress and achievements of this beautiful part of Scotland.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with some of the best and most gifted newspaper people in the business: their support and loyalty has made my task all the easier, and the success of The Scot in recent years has been entirely due to their talents and professionalism.”

In 2003 Pauline received the Barron Trophy for outstanding services to journalism at the Highlands and Islands Media Awards, where the paper has also scooped the Newspaper of the Year title three times in four years.

At the same event in 2006 Pauline was named Journalist of the Year.

Pauline and Mike

Taking over the helm is Mike Collins, (52), who was previously deputy editor and has worked for the paper for almost 20 years.

Prior to that he edited the Banffshire Herald in Keith, and worked at the Press and Journal in Aberdeen as a sub-editor.

Pauline said: “Mike has always shown great commitment and integrity, and I know he will continue to fight on behalf of the people of Moray.”

Mike said: “Pauline has been a major part of The Northern Scot for many years. As well as being a talented writer, as editor she has displayed great ability and forward thinking, and has demonstrated outstanding courage in tackling controversial issues, with the interests of her readers and of Moray her prime consideration.

“This is the end of an era but Pauline leaves behind a rich legacy – a newspaper with an enhanced reputation and a bright future.”

Taking over from Mike as deputy editor is Chris Saunderson, previously the paper’s chief reporter, and reporter Fiona McPherson has been promoted to chief reporter.

Michael Crockett was recently appointed group chief sub-editor, returning to his home town of Moray from Messenger Newspapers in Manchester. Do you have a story about the regional press?
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