A daily newspaper has introduced unlimited free access to its website in universities and colleges.

Glasgow-based daily The Herald has announced the move, which will allow students and staff at higher education institutions across Scotland to access its site with out cost.

The Herald presently operates a metered paywall, meaning readers can only access a certain number of articles for free before being asked to register and subscribe.

But any student or staff member who logs on to The Herald’s site while connected to their campus wifi can read its content free of charge.

From left: Steve Smart, senior vice president for CGI Scotland with Kate Forbes, Scotland’s Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy and Donald Martin, editor-in-chief of The Herald

Speaking at the official launch of the initiative at the City of Glasgow College yesterday, Herald editor-in-chief Donald Martin said: “In this world of misinformation are we assessing the evidence and forming an opinion based on agreed facts and an understanding formed through unbiased scrutiny?

“Or do we simply exist within an echo chamber and hold a view based on what we want to hear?”

He added: “These vital questions are at the heart of this fantastic initiative granting free access to higher education students.”

The new open access project is sponsored by CGI, a technology consultancy group, and made possible by IT company JISC, which provides digital solutions for the UK education and research sector.

Kate Forbes, Scotland’s Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy, also attended the launch event.

She said: “Access to information, knowledge, fact and truth is more pressing than ever before,, and with The Herald’s initiative they can provide that access to students and employees, which will hopefully set good habits for years to come.

“The Herald understands that easy access is critical.”