A Scottish weekly newspaper is regarded as an institution for the people of the West Highlands, according to the findings from a 2011 reader survey.

A total of 1,369 respondents completed The Oban Times survey in October with almost 90pc stating that they read the newspaper every week.

One reader even likened the newspaper to “a good whisky that gets better with age.”

Suggestions for improvement included more lifestyle and hobby features, and readers in rural and island areas wanted more hyper-local content, a view echoed by respondents in Oban.

Editorial director Stewart Mackenzie, pictured, said: “Taking all the feedback on board, readers can expect to see further improvements and we will continue to work hard at meeting the demands of our expansive readership.”