A leading Scottish newspaper publisher is erecting a partial paywall on its website by limiting the number of articles users can read for free.

Heraldscotland.com, the online platform for Glasgow-based daily The Herald and sister title the Sunday Herald, is introducing a £2.99 fee for unlimited access to the website.

Users will still be able to read up to ten articles a month for free, but over and above that number the monthly fee will apply.

Herald & Times group digital director Mark Smith sets out the reasons for the change in a drop-down article on the revamped site’s homepage headed ‘Our new site.’

He writes:  “If you’re a regular visitor you’ll notice a few changes; more contributors, improved layout, a new politics section and subscription!

“But don’t panic you can still read up to 10 articles a month for free, we’re just asking those of you who particularly enjoy our content to pay the small sum of £2.99 for 4 weeks access, just 11 pence a day.

“We think that’s tremendous value, value that will only be enhanced as we add sections and features to the site, bringing you more and more quality journalism by Scots and for Scots.

“Our ambition is simple: to provide the best and most comprehensive digital experience for anyone interested in what’s happening in Scotland.”

Mark goes on to invite feedback on the proposal by urging readers to email him their views.

The partial paywall plan was originally revealed by Mark and Herald & Times MD Tim Blott in an interview in August.