An editor is to take over a publisher’s flagship daily newspaper after being poached from her current role with a rival group.

Newsquest has announced Catherine Salmond, currently editor of National World title Scotland on Sunday, will join Glasgow-based daily The Herald.

Catherine, pictured, takes over from Donald Martin, who is standing down as editor-in-chief on 31 August and has edited the paper and its sister title The Herald on Sunday since 2017.

She has edited Scotland on Sunday since August 2021 and previously held senior roles including live news editor at the Edinburgh-based paper’s sister titles The Scotsman and Edinburgh Evening News.

Catherine, who becomes The Herald’s first female editor in its 239-year history, said: “I am honoured to be joining The Herald and am confident this new chapter in its rich history will be an exciting one.

“I will lead with passion and firmness, championing the title and its staff, while ensuring we offer the robust, incisive, and energetic journalism expected online and in print from what is one of Scotland’s great news brands.

“We are all aware of the pressures facing our industry, but The Herald is well placed to meet them head on, with a talented, determined, and forward-thinking team. I am excited about what we will achieve together.”

Newsquest Scotland editor-in-chief Callum Baird added: “The recruitment process for this role was thorough and inspiring.

“We spoke to a large number of high calibre candidates – as you might expect for what is one of the biggest jobs in Scottish journalism.

“It was clear that Catherine’s ambition for the title matched our own and we look forward to seeing how she can work with the team to deliver her vision.

“One thing that everybody we have spoken to agreed with us on was The Herald’s endurable power, potential and talent, and we’re excited to see what comes next.”

Donald’s departure from The Herald, after more than 30 years editing various titles across the UK, was announced last month.

David Ward, managing director of Newsquest Scotland, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Catherine to the business.

“Throughout the recruitment process Catherine demonstrated a very clear vision for the future of The Herald, the strength of the brand and the opportunity to build on our multimedia plans.

“Catherine’s skillset and standing within the industry in Scotland will position us well over the coming years and we look forward to working with and supporting Catherine as she strives to create and commission thoughtful, engaging content across a range of media channels.”