A former editor of The Scotsman and Edinburgh Evening News has been appointed as the new director of the Scottish Newspaper Society

John McLellan left the Johnston Press flagship in a restructure in April 2012 after 18 years with Scotsman Publications.

Shortly afterwards he was appointed as director of communications for the Scottish Conservatives, based at the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.

He will leave that role in the autumn to take up the SNS appointment.

John replaces Jim Chisholm who resigned as SNS director in March after only a few months in the role.

Said John:  “I am grateful to the Scottish Conservatives for the opportunity to work in the Scottish Parliament and see the political world from the other side of the fence.

“But the lure of going back to the industry in which I spent the vast majority of my working life was too great and I look forward to working with newspaper colleagues old and new.

“My time in Holyrood has confirmed what I always knew was the vase; that vibrant, sustainable, independent newspapers are a vital part of our democracy and should remain so.

SNS president Tim Blott added:  “We are delighted John is joining is as director.  He has a wealth of experience and a great passion for our industry.

“His communication skills will be very valuable as Scottish newspapers evolve in print and online.”