A man described as the ‘heart and soul’ of a newspaper company has announced he is to retire after 27 years.

Managing director of DC Thompson owned Aberdeen Journals Ltd, Alan Scott, will retire on 9 December.

Newspapers in the Aberdeen Journals group include The Press and Journal and Aberdeen Evening Express.

Andrew Thomson, chairman of DC Thomson, said: “Alan has for many years been the heart and soul of Aberdeen Journals Ltd and has led the business through good times and bad times with unwavering dedication to the newspapers and the staff. 

“His hard work and determination has seen Aberdeen Journals Ltd through a period of change and he has been personally involved in making the company the successful business that it is today.

 “We wish Alan and his wife a long and happy retirement and I am sure this will be echoed throughout the newspaper industry.”

After the announcement on Friday, Alan emailed staff in praise of DC Thomson.

In his email he wrote: “I am delighted that they are the owners of Aberdeen Journals Limited as they are newspaper people through and through and will always act in the best interests of the company and you the staff.

“Speaking of the staff, I have been lucky to have worked with some of the greatest people in newspapers in Aberdeen.   Over the years I have made many friends both inside and outside the business and I must mention my closest colleagues – Lorna Edwards, Raymond McRobbie, Watson Mutch, Damian Bates, Alan McCabe – the best team you could have.

“I must also say that at the present time given the current climate, I have never known the morale and attitude of all the staff to be better.

“Whatever I do in the future, and I hope to use my experience in some capacity, I know I will be unlikely to work with better.”

A new MD is yet to be announced.