A newspaper has launched a new paid-for digital new service which has led to the creation of a new journalism role.

Am Pàipear, which is based in the Outer Hebrides, has announced the launch of a new subscription-based website to complement its current print edition.

Subscribers to the new platform, who can sign-up for either £2 a month or £20 a year, will be able to read a digital version of the newspaper, access exclusive news delivered in text, audio and video formats, and listen to new regular show, Am Podcast.

The monthly paper has taken on Abigail Taylor, pictured, as a graduate digital journalist to support the development of the new online service, thanks to financial support provided by Scottish Government economic development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Editor Iain Stephen Morrison said: “Am Pàipear seeks to be even more resilient as an enterprise in the long-term, sustain its service, reach new audiences, and continue to offer well-paid positions of employment within the media sector in the economically fragile Outer Hebrides.

“We have exciting plans to deliver news across all our platforms and, in addition to this, are looking to engage the next generation of our audience through content created especially for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

“We will work across all media to showcase our islands, tell their stories, support local business and raise the issues that matter to our audience. We have never been more committed to our mission to inform, entertain and support better connected islands.”

He added: “We are indebted to Highlands and Islands Enterprise for believing in our vision and offering financial support towards our Graduate Digital Journalist role through the ScotGrad programme.”

Almost 60 candidates applied for the new role before the appointment of Abigail, who is originally from Northern Ireland but has lived in Scotland since 2015.

She is a graduate in journalism and politics from the University of Stirling, where she edited the multi-award-winning student newspaper Brig.

Iain added: “Abigail impressed us with her track record as a thorough and fearless journalist, not to mention her considerable entrepreneurial experience, engaging and growing audiences online.

“I believe we have found a real ‘star in the making’ and the best candidate to take forward this initiative for Am Pàipear.”

Joanna Peteranna, head of enterprise support with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, added: “We are delighted to see Am Pàipear evolve into new methods of news delivery through this innovative new service.

“Am Pàipear has played an important role in Uist for more than 40 years. However, the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns have really highlighted just how important it is to have the ability to get accurate, relevant and up to date news out into people’s homes.

“With more and more people of all generations able to access the internet, we hope this new development will reach audiences of all ages and ensure that Am Pàipear can continue to serve the community for many years to come.”