A long-serving journalist has left a weekly newspaper after 55 years – on the same day the title’s deputy editor also retired.

Davie Buchanan has said farewell to the Oban Times, where he began working in 1965 at the age of 17.

Davie, pictured left, worked his last day on Friday, the same day Times deputy editor Martin Laing retired.

He told the paper he had “loved every minute” of his 55 years there.

Said Davie: “I started in the office then moved on to be an apprentice compositor and linotype operator before desktop publishing came along.

“I was promoted to production manager then moved to page layout in the editorial department.

“There has never been a dull moment and there have been plenty of laughs.

“And while for the last few months we have all had to work from home due to Covid, I will miss my colleagues.”

Keith MacIntyre, operations director at Times owner Wyvex Media, added: “Davie has been a stalwart member of the Oban Times team for 55 years – an incredible achievement in any industry, but almost unheard off in the ever-changing world of newspapers.

“Throughout his time in the business, Davie has been a fantastic support to all his colleagues and his knowledge, wit and wisdom will be sorely missed.

“Everyone at Wyvex Media is grateful for everything Davie has done for the business during his career and wishes him a wonderful, long and healthy retirement.”

Editor Susan Windram said: “Davie has been a wonderful colleague, with nothing too much trouble.

“He is a fount of all knowledge when it comes to Oban and The Oban Times and that has been invaluable to me personally as editor.”

Martin, pictured left, had been with the compamny since May 2016.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Oban Times. The team has been fantastic and the readers even better.

“However, in a curious twist, my retirement means I can resume my weekly At Random column and I am really looking forward to engaging with the readers again.

“Retirement also means my wife and I will have more time to enjoy the wonderful Oban and Argyll area at leisure. Many thanks to everyone.”