A weekly newspaper is set to be printed off patch in full colour for the first time after a change of ownership.

The Dunoon Observer and Argyllshire Standard has been purchased for an undisclosed sum by Argyll Media Ltd following the retirement of previous owners, the Carmichael family.

As part of the deal the Dunoon-based 1950s web presses of E&R Inglis Ltd, owned by the Carmichaels, have closed down and the Observer will now be printed in Carlisle by the CN Group.

Argyll Media is a sister company of Annan-based DNG Media, the largest independent publisher in Dumfries and Galloway with four local newspaper titles.

The front page of Friday’s Observer, the first to be printed off patch

All Observer staff have transferred to the new company, and the newspaper will continue to be produced from the offices at the corner of Dunoon’s Argyll Street and John Street.

The title was first published in the town in 1871.

Peter Laidlaw, DNG Media managing director, said: “The Dunoon Observer and Argyllshire Standard, with its long history of being family-run, fits very well with our philosophy of running local newspapers and we would like to thank the Carmichael family for entrusting the future of the titles to us.

“We very much share similar business values and view local newspapers as being a vital part of the local community.

“Whilst there are many challenges we have a very positive view of the future and believe local newspapers have a unique role to play as a service to the local community.

He continued: “We look forward to working with editor Gordon Neish and his team to provide a modern, colourful and informative product while at all times being fair and balanced in our reporting.”

Gordon added: “We are all very excited about the future of our local paper. Over the coming weeks it will become brighter with more local news, more features and more of interest to our communities.

“Our aim is to make the Dunoon Observer the best it can be – and we will all work hard to make that happen.”