New rules aimed at making it cheaper, easier and simpler to solve copyright disputes come into effect on 6 April.

The new Copyright Tribunal rules are intended to promote effective dispute resolution by introducing procedures in line with the Civil Procedure Rules 1998.

Cases would be dealt with proportionately, according to the complexity, amount of money involved, and financial position of each party, and quickly, fairly and with the best use of time and resources.

The Big Issue in Scotland launched an edition of the magazine to be distributed free to secondary schools in the country.

Called the ‘Wee Issue’, the one-off publication was put together by 13 to 17-year-old pupils in the title’s office in Glasgow.

Around 300,000 copies of the magazine were handed out across Scottish schools.

A regional press farming editor told a coroner’s court that his son’s mind was “clouded and confused” at the inquest into his death.

Chris Rundle, farming editor with the Western Daily Press, was talking about his son Toby who was found hanging in his room at Oxford University last October.

The 21-year-old had contributed stories on sport and his travelling experiences to the WDP since he was 15.

In 2007, Toby made national headlines when he sold a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for £7,200 to help finance him through university.

The coroner recorded a narrative verdict – a full report can be read on thisisnorthdevon.co.uk.

PPA Scotland, the magazine industry’s trade body north of the border, has appointed Helenor Gilmour as its first female chairman.

She is currently head of consumer insight and brand development with DC Thomson, publisher of several newspapers across Scotland.

Helenor replaces Fraser Allen from publishing and design company White Light Media.

The longlist for the annual Orwell Prize for political writing has been announced.

There are three prizes for blogger, book and journalist – the latter of which contains no regional press reporters.

They were revealed at the recent Oxford Literary Festival and the shortlist will be announced on 15 April and the winners on 19 May.