The deputy editor of a Scottish daily is to move to a new role fronting politics coverage for a regional ITV station.

Scotsman number two Peter MacMahon, a former political editor of the Daily Mirror, is to become politcal editor of ITV Border, which covers southern Scotland and the far north of England.

Peter was also press secretary to former Scottish First Minister Henry McLeish and has specialised in politics for most of his career.

At The Scotsman, his role included overseeing the Scottish Perspective comment section of the paper.

Peter joins ITV Border ahead of next year’s referendum on Scottish independence, arguably the biggest Scottish political story for 300 years.

He said:  “I’m delighted about the new job. We are entering arguably the most important phase in Scottish politics in a lifetime and I want to bring the facts to life and add context for the viewers.”

ITV Border’s managing editor, Catherine Houlihan added: “Peter brings a depth of knowledge and experience to this important role and it’s right that a journalist of his calibre should be the face of Scottish politics for ITV Border.

“It demonstrates ITV’s commitment to continuing our quality news service to the south of Scotland.”