Melinda Gillen has been appointed as the new editor-in-chief at Stornoway Gazette Group Newspapers.

Previously editor of the group’s Hebridean newspaper, she now also becomes editor of the Stornoway Gazette, following the resignation of Juliet Conway.

Melinda (pictured) took up her new post on March 31 and reports directly to managing director Angus Morrison.

She has also previously worked at the Dunoon Observer in Argyll, and has edited the Hebridean since it was bought by the group last year.

Melinda, (34), said: “The Hebridean celebrates its first birthday next week and has been a solid success.

“Now I’m very much looking forward to the challenge of taking on the Gazette and building on its already well-established success to offer a comprehensive coverage of the Western Isles and Skye.”

Angus said: “The group are fortunate to have an internal candidate of Melinda’s calibre to take on this important role and I am sure the Stornoway Gazette and The Hebridean will benefit from this appointment.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Juliet for her contribution over the last three-and-a-half years, a period when the Gazette has seen continued circulation growth.”