Union chiefs have condemned “appalling” social media abuse aimed at a daily newspaper columnist after she revealed she would no longer be writing for the title.

Angela Haggerty, who quit as news editor of the soon-to-be-defunct Sunday Herald last month, revealed on Tuesday her job as a columnist for its Newsquest sister daily The Herald would be lost as a result of a restructure which will see the Sunday title close.

However, her announcement via Twitter prompted abusive responses from some users of the social media site – with some respondents calling her a “f***ing vile cow” and “bitter little c***”, as well as being called “fat” and “ugly”.

According to the National Union of Journalists, Angela has been the subject of abuse and online trolling since editing Phil Mac Giolla Bháin’s book Downfall: How Rangers FC Self-destructed, published in 2012.

In a public message of support for Angela, pictured, following the recent abuse, NUJ Scotland national organiser John Toner said: “The egregious, concerted and frankly appalling abuse which Angela is being subjected to is shocking.

“For six years, she has been subject to sectarian and misogynistic abuse that has already seen one of her abusers put behind bars. The bigots and the faceless cowards sitting behind their keyboards will not win.

“The NUJ fully supports Angela and we call on all journalists everywhere to stand up against these bullies.

“The threats to journalists and journalism are increasing daily and we must stand united against abuse of any of our own.”

Announcing the changes via Twitter on Tuesday, Angela wrote: “I was informed today that, with the changes coming at the papers, both my Herald and Sunday Herald columns have been cut. I thought you lot should know first because your support has been truly amazing at times. It was nice while it lasted!”

HTFP has approached Newsquest for a comment on Angela’s departure as a columnist from The Herald.