A monthly free newspaper which went digital-only two months ago has been revived in print as a paid-for weekly.

As reported on HTFP in August, the Island News & Advertiser, based on Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides, decided to concentrate its resources online in a bid to attract more advertisers.

But founder and journalist Susy Macaulay has now decided to relaunch the title in print, albeit with a scaled down patch and a cover price for the first time.

It will concentrate on news from the island of Benbecula, where it is based, as well as neighbouring North and South Uist.

At its peak, the free version of the IN&A had a print run of 10,000 at its peak and was read across the Hebrides, Orkneys and Shetlands, as well as by islanders living in mainland settlements such as Glasgow and Inverness.

The first paid-for edition was released last Thursday, with a cover price of 80p and an initial print run of 1,000 which Susy hopes will increase to 1,500 over time.

Said Susy: “When so many readers expressed their disappointment that the original free, monthly IN&A was ceasing, I realised I had to do something to fill the hyperlocal news gap that exists in my immediate area of Uist and Benbecula.

“The appetite still appears very strong for a print product with hyperlocal news in it, and people told me they were prepared to pay for it. Also, broadband isn’t available to everyone here, and a significant number of our demographic have absolutely no interest in getting their news online.”

When news of the freesheet’s closure was announced in August, Susy described some readers reacting with “grief-stricken faces.”

The new look IN&A is printed in house by a high-powered photocopier which turns out A4 booklets, stapled and folded.

Added Susy: “We have a population of 5,000 but they are avid news junkies. I’m really excited at the finished product, it’s on gleaming 100 gsm paper and the colour really sparkles.

“But time will tell if it will catch on, however I’m quietly confident as there’s lots of anticipation about it from readers and advertisers alike.”