The new editor of the Aberdeen Press and Journal was today named as Damian Bates.

Damian, currently editor of sister title the Evening Express, will take over in the hot seat of Scotland’s biggest-selling daily on 1 March.

He succeeds long-serving editor Derek Tucker who announced in November he would be stepping down frmo the role he had held for 18 years.

Derek’s official last day was last Friday but in fact he left the DC Thomson-owned title before Christmas.

In an announcement to staff today, Aberdeen Journals managing director Alan Scott said: “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Damian Bates as editor of The Press and Journal effective from 1 March, 2011.

“Damian joined Aberdeen Journals Limited on 4 August, 2003 as deputy editor of the Evening Express and subsequently became editor on 24 April, 2006.

“I am sure you will all join with me in wishing Damian every success in his new role and, as far as his replacement is concerned, I would hope to make an announcement in the very near future as to who that will be.”

The announcement brings to an end a period of intense speculation as to the identity of Mr Tucker’s successor which has seen a variety of prominent Scottish press figures linked with the role.