A Scottish weekly has become the latest newspaper title to lose its main presence in the town it serves.

The cost of refurbishing its existing office has persuaded bosses at the Peeblesshire News to take what they are calling “a different approach” to their presence in the town.

From the end of this month the paper will now be run from the head office of publisher Clyde and Forth Press in Galashiels, fifteen miles way.

Managers insist that reporters will continue to be available in the town on a regular basis and that the paper still has “a bright future.”

The move was set out in a letter to the newspaper’s customers from Forth Weekly Press director of operations Stuart McGann, a copy of which has been seen by HoldtheFrontPage.

“It will signal the end of an era when the office closes at the end of October but the Peeblesshire News is looking forward to a bright future and continuing its great tradition of service to the local community.”

Mr McGann said the paper plans to set up an arrangement with another town centre shop for ads to be placed over the counter while improved technology would also allow them to book ads directly online.