A renowned regional daily columnist has announced he is leaving journalism after 18 years to take up a post at the House of Commons library.

David Torrance, left, began his career at the Edinburgh Evening News before moving into broadcasting.

He has lattertly been a columnist with Glasgow-based daily The Herald but revealed on Monday that this week’s column would be his last.

Tweeting a link to his final column, he wrote: “After 18 years as a journalist I’m having a career change; It has, of course, been a privilege, but also fun & fascinating.”

David will now be working in a politically neutral research role as a Senior Library Clerk, dealing with inquiries from MPs and helping to produce research papers.

He said his new role meant that he will not be able to “Tweet as freely as before”.

Donald Martin, editor-in-chief at Herald publisher Newsquest Scotland, said: “David Torrance has been a popular columnist on The Herald.

“His analysis of the political scene, particularly on constitutional issues, is unrivalled. We wish him all the best for the future.”