One of Scotland’s most successful island-based newspapers has appointed its first chief reporter.

Jennifer Lyon, left, has been named chief reporter of The Arran Banner, the week after the Wyxex Media-owned title became one of only 13 paid-for weeklies in the UK to post a circulation rise in the latest ABC figures.

Announcing the appointment, Wyvex Media editorial director Stewart MacKenzie said: “Jennifer has made remarkable progress since joining The Arran Banner as a junior reporter six years ago and we are delighted with the enthusiasm and commitment that the team in Brodick demonstrate on a weekly basis.

“Their efforts have made The Arran Banner one of the very few regional newspapers in the UK that can justifiably boast an increase in circulation over recent years.”

Added Jennifer:  “I’m extremely excited to have been given this opportunity and I’m looking forward to a fresh challenge as we work to secure the long-term success of this great newspaper.”

The paper increased its circulation by 2.1pc year on year in the second half of 2012 – the only paid-for weekly in Scotland to post a sales rise.