Newspaper industry leaders have been paying tribute to the Scottish publisher Deirdre Romanes whose death was announced earlier this week.

Ms Romanes, who was chief executive of Dunfermline Press Group, died aged 60 after a long illness.

Newspaper Society president David Fordham, chief executive of Iliffe News and Media, said: “Deidre was always a fantastic supporter of the regional press and particularly of the independent sector of the industry.

“I personally enjoyed working with her for a number of years as a member of the NS Marketing Committee where she was always very active.

“When I was planning my recent tour of regional publishing centres, Deirdre was the very first to respond with an invitation to visit and an offer of support.

“In her letter to me she said, ‘We will fit in without any hullabaloo!’ In many ways I think that is how she was in business, always very supportive and never any hullabaloo.”

NS director David Newell added: “Deirdre was a leading member of the Newspaper Society Council and Marketing Committee.

“She helped promote all that is good about our industry and demonstrated the important role independent publishers play in their communities. She made a very special personal contribution to local newspapers and their development.”

Ms Romanes built up Dunfermline Press from its Scottish base into a group comprising weekly newspapers in Scotland, Ireland and southern England.

Its chairman Donald MacDonald said: “Deirdre was an outstanding businesswoman who over the last 25 years built the business to where it is today as a significant group of newspapers.

“Over this time she has created an excellent management team who will continue to run the business.

“Deirdre will be greatly missed by all who knew her and whose lives were touched by her.”