A Scottish daily has launched a new Saturday magazine as it increases its cover price by 10p.

The Courier unveiled its new magazine on Saturday, called Courier Weekend, containing features previously included in the Saturday paper plus fashion, new writers and more food, travel and leisure.

The paper will also carry seven-day TV listings for the first time and articles from new television critic Paul Whitelaw.

Its Saturday edition now has a cover price of 70p, while the Monday to Friday editions remain at 60p, and the title has won praise from the National Federation of Retail Newsagents for maintaining margins for retailers.

Richard Neville said: “I am excited and proud to announce the extra content we will be bringing to our readers.

“Given the depth of local news plus all the national and international news you could need to stay informed and entertained, I believe this is a fantastic Saturday read.

“I believe the new price will represent fantastic value for money. The Courier will continue to be among the cheapest daily newspapers at the weekend but with more of the unique blend of local and regional content that our readers really want.”

The title claims the addition of the new magazine, along with a recently-launched Farming pull-out, means it is now 50pc bigger than it was.

The new magazine will begin and end with two columnists, with news reader Fiona Armstrong opening the title and opinion writer Robert McNeil closing it.

A team of local chefs has also been lined up and the magazine has introduced a new Meet your Maker feature which will spotlight local food and drinks producers. There will also be a new nature column.

The NRFN said it welcomed The Courier’s move to give pro rata margins to newsagents with the cover price rise.

NFRN national president Colin Fletcher said: “At a time when others in our trade seem hell bent on putting retailers out of business, it is refreshing to find one publisher who understands the need to maintain pro rata terms so that retailers can keep pace with ever-increasing costs.

“I thank the Courier for its support and have no hesitation in urging my members in Fife, Perth, Angus, Dundee and Central to pull out all the stops to help DC Thomson’s Courier to develop its sales.”