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Publisher moves to avert ‘news desert’ as weekly shuts after 180 years

A weekly newspaper has shut after 180 years in business – prompting an independent publisher to move to avert a “local news desert”.

The family-owned Nairnshire Telegraph has ceased publication, citing the coronavirus pandemic as among the reasons for its decision to cease publication.

The Telegraph’s closure has prompted Highland News and Media to launch a weekly Nairnshire edition of bi-weekly paper the Inverness Courier, pictured below, which will come out every Tuesday.

Telegraph editor Iain Bain, whose family was involved with the title for more than 150 years, told the Courier his paper had faced “problems” because of the pandemic since the first lockdown last March.

Nairn Courier

He said: “Advertising revenue was substantially cut, circulation was hit as one of our major outlets closed temporarily and, of course, the things we normally report like sport and local meetings vanished from the scene.

“The possibility of closure has haunted us on a nearly week by week basis since the lockdown began.

“As the year progressed continued publication looked possible and I again thank supporters of the Nairnshire who were very helpful, including politicians and especially local MSP Fergus Ewing.

“But the pandemic and lockdown had another effect. It brought to an end discussions on the continuation of the Nairnshire by another publisher.

Iain added the “consistent theme” of the Telegraph, which was established in 1841, had been to “defend Nairn and Nairnshire against the inexorable loss of its civic identity and to promote projects such as the Nairn Bypass”.

He said: “But small is not so beautiful when you measure it up against the investment that is required and business conditions which are difficult at the best of times, let alone the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. These are not the best of days for print media and especially smaller newspapers.

“Those who produce the Nairnshire are in the vulnerable age group and even inoculated [against Covid-19], face the fact that we are past usual retirement age. Time alone dictates that retirement.

“The Nairnshire Telegraph and Nairnshire Mirror titles remain the property of The Nairnshire Telegraph Ltd and are for sale.

“The holding company remains in business at the moment and we are contemplating other publishing projects under the Nairnshire Telegraph name. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for future developments.”

The last edition of the Telegraph was published on 29 December and the new edition of the Courier first hit newsstands on Tuesday.

HNM publisher Steve Barron said: “We were all very saddened to hear that the Nairnshire Telegraph would no longer be published – an excellent independent local newspaper which has served the people of Nairn well.

“The thought of Nairnshire becoming a local news desert was one none of our team wanted to countenance.

“Our team rallied to the cause and produced the first Nairnshire edition of the Inverness Courier within seven days – no mean feat when working from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms.

“We’ll aim to pick up on the great work the team at the Nairnshire Telegraph did in giving the people of Nairnshire a publication which will inform, campaign and be a positive part of their community.”

The launch of the new title has been welcomed by Nairn Provost Laurie Fraser, who also represents the town on Highland Council.

He said: “I think it’s clear Covid was the final straw and the town will miss the Nairnshire Telegraph.

“The community owes a great debt to [editor] Iain Bain and the newspaper. It had a tremendous loyal readership.

“I thank Iain, the generations of his family, and their staff, past and present, for their service to Nairn over such a long period of time.

“I am delighted however that HN Media is going to fill the breach. It would be a tragedy if Nairn was to become a news wasteland and it’s vital the voice of the community continues to be heard.

The Inverness Courier has a reputation for providing quality news coverage and I’m sure that will be reflected in anything they do.”

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