Donald Martin is to become the new editor of the Evening Times in Glasgow.

He is currently editor of the Evening Express in Aberdeen, a post he has held for eight years.

The move will see him return to his home city.

Donald succeeds Charles McGhee, who is now editor of the Evening Times’ sister paper, The Herald.

The Evening Express, which is published by Northcliffe, has a circulation of 57,890, while the Newsquest-owned Evening Times sells 88,159.

It is rumoured that Northcliffe’s owners Daily Mail and General Trust is considering selling its Aberdeen business after abandoning plans to sell the whole group, but Donald said this had nothing to do with his decision to leave.

He said: “I don’t know what will happen in the future, but this is something that I have always wanted to do and when the opportunity comes up you don’t turn it down.”

The 41-year-old added: “I have had a fabulous time with the Evening Express in Aberdeen but have always wanted to return to edit my home city newspaper.

“It is a challenge I could not resist and one I am eagerly looking forward to.

“Glasgow is a fantastic, vibrant city full of energy, humour and pride. It will be a privilege to edit its newspaper.

“I will be sorry to leave behind such a talented and enthusiastic team in Aberdeen and thank them all for their support over the years.

“I hope I will enjoy every minute with the Evening Times as much as I have with Northcliffe.”

Before joining the Evening Express, Donald had been editor of the North West Evening Mail.

He was also previously deputy editor of the Cambridge Evening News, chief sub and production editor at the Reading Evening Post and group editor at Thames Valley Free Newspapers.

He won his first editorship at the age of 24, at the free weekly Edinburgh and Lothians Post.

Northcliffe Newspapers managing director Michael Pelosi said: “Donald has made a major impact on the Aberdeen evening newspaper and I take this opportunity to express Northcliffe’s gratitude for what he has achieved.

“I have no doubt Donald will be a great asset to the Evening Times. I wish him every success in his new role.”