Forth Independent Newspapers has launched its second weekly newspaper in eight months – and plans to bring out another in the autumn.

The new free title Strathallan News brings the stable up to six newspapers covering towns and villages in central and west Scotland such as Alloa, Dunblane and Stirling.

It’s the fourth new launch since it bought out Wee County News seven years ago.

The company’s new titles are the Allanwater News, Eastside News, Strathallan News and Eastwood Today which launched in October.

In 2002, it bought up the paid-for Wee County News, based in Alloa, and the East Kilbride Mail in 2005 with a seventh title due to be launched on an undisclosed patch later this year.

Pauline McCart, Forth Independent Newspapers’ MD, told HTFP: “Times are very challenging but we’ve kept to our business plan and are receiving great feedback.

“We have to work hard to win advertising but we’re keeping our heads above water – there’s no magic formula.”

The Strathallan News has three reporters with ten employed across the group under series editor Willie Mack.