The deputy business editor of a Scottish Sunday title is leaving to become editor of a website that aims to combine “academic rigour with journalistic flair.”

Steven Vass is moving from the Sunday Herald to become the first Scotland editor of The Conversation, an Australian online news venture which launched a UK portal earlier this year.

The Conversation was set up in Melbourne by Andrew Jaspan – the former editor of The Scotsman and the Sunday Herald and its editorial team also includes Scottish journalist Stephen Khan as its UK editor.

“To have an editor of Steven’s experience and skill anchoring our operation in Scotland provides The Conversation with a huge opportunity to play a significant part in the independence referendum and to be a window on the excellent research being done in Scottish universities,” said Stephen.

“The appointment completes our team for the next phase of The Conversation’s development in the UK.

“I am thrilled at the level of talent we have attracted to continue our growth. It is a testament to the excellent work done by the original group of editors and to the strength of the concept.”