FOLLOWING days of speculation, the former editor of The Scotsman, Mike Gilson, has been appointed editor of the Belfast Telegraph newspaper.
In an announcement made yesterday, Gilson is to begin work at the paper next week, succeeding Martin Lindsay, who has retired.
Gilson suddenly departed The Scotsman in February ahead of a major reshuffle of personnel that saw John McLellan made Scotsman editor and editor-in-chief of The Scotsman and sister titles, Scotland on Sunday and the Edinburgh Evening News, – being led by Ian Stewart and Tom Little, respectively.
He had previously edited The News in Portsmouth and the Peterborough Evening Telegraph. He has also held senior management positions at The Western Mail, Cardiff and the Hull Daily Mail.
Gilson is quoted, saying: “I am absolutely delighted to be taking the helm of such a prestigious newspaper as the Belfast Telegraph at such a significant time in the history of Northern Ireland. I hope to continue the finest traditions of the newspaper and maintain the high standards laid down by Martin Lindsay.
“Under my editorship we will continue to campaign and investigate without fear or favour but we will also give our total support to good works and deeds that improve the lives of our readers.”
Added Michael Brophy, chief executive of the newspaper’s owners, INM (NI): “We welcome Mike to the newspaper with great enthusiasm. With his experience and track record he will make a major contribution to the future of the Belfast Telegraph”.
