A series of senior editorial changes have been announced as part of a regional publisher’s digital-driven restructure.

JPIMedia has begun announcing changes to its structure in Scotland, which it is understood will come into effect next month.

HTFP reported in January how Scotland was to become the latest JPIMedia publishing unit to implement its ‘Digital Acceleration’ programme, which sees journalists focus on producing digital content.

The programme has already been implemented in the North-East of England and the North Midlands and South Yorkshire.

JPIMedia’s outgoing editorial director for Scotland Frank O’Donnell, pictured, has begun announcing the new editorial structure, which include five specialist roles, to staff in a message which has been seen by HTFP.

The specialist editor appointments are current Fife Free Press editor Allan Crow and deputy editor Fiona Dobie, who will both take on the titles of specialist editor (geographic), while Edinburgh Evening News deputy news editor Stephen Wilkie will take on the same role for Scotland’s capital city.

Current EEN news editor Iain Pope will be specialist editor for topics, while Scotsman deputy political editor Gina Davidson will take up the same post for politics on an interim basis.

Scotsman assistant editor (news) Alan Young and assistant news editor Dale Miller will move to become head of content and deputy head of content respectively, with Scotsman and EEN head of digital Sam Shedden becoming senior live editor.

EEN digital editor Joe Cawthorn will take up the title live editor, along with Scotsman and EEN assistant news editor Catherine Salmond.

Scotsman sports editor Graham Bean has been appointed sport specialist and the EEN’s Mark Atkinson takes up the post of football clubs editor.

Other appointments include Mark Campanile and Janet Bee, who become curation content editors, Emma McGarvie, who becomes production manager, and Andy O’Brien, who is appointed to the head of audio visual role.

The appointment of print and curation editor is yet to be made, but Jill Buchanan will deputise.

Frank, whose departure to become editor-in-chief at Aberdeen’s Press & Journal is not linked to the restructure, said: “I wanted to provide an update with regards the management appointments to the digital acceleration structure.

“Given the encouraging level of interest in management roles it has taken a little while longer than we had envisaged to make these appointments.

“I hope you appreciate that it was vital that we were able to speak with all who were assessed for these roles before more widely confirming the management structure.”