A family-owned newspaper has moved production from its patch the first time in its 164-year history to a print plant more than 300 miles away.

The Orcadian, which covers the Orkney Islands, has been printed on the British mainland for the first time after printing switched to Newsquest Scotland’s Glasgow centre.

The paper has been printed in Kirkwall since it was first published in 1854, but owner Orkney Media says it has made the decision to “address the challenges of the industry” and offer readers a “better, brighter product”.

The company has also found it increasingly difficult to source replacement parts for their press in recent years, while maintenance costs had escalated.

The new look Ocardian, now printed by Newsquest in Glasgow

Concurrently, The Orcadian has relaunched with new features and columnist.

The relaunch was marked on 1 March with a 64-page special edition, printed in Glasgow on the Tuesday evening ahead of its Thursday publication date.

The physical dimensions of the newspaper have also changed marginally, but it remains in a tabloid compact format.

Orkney Media director James Miller said: “The Orcadian has been in the same family since 1854 – six generations – and during that time the newspaper has strived to embrace the latest in printing techniques and technology.

“While sentimentally sad to move the printing of the paper off-island for the first time, it is undoubtedly the right decision to address the challenges of the industry and, more importantly, give our readers and advertisers a better, brighter product. Times change and we are changing to keep pace.”