A former news editor at Scotland on Sunday has been taken on as chief reporter at an Edinburgh press and picture agency.
Peter Laing, for eight years news editor at Scotland on Sunday until stepping down last year, is joining Deadline Press & Picture Agency.
The move reunites Laing with Shaun Milne, Deadline’s consulting managing editor, and owners Scott Douglas and Raymond Notarangelo, who all worked together at the Scottish Daily Record.
After training on local papers in the south of England, Laing got a job as a reporter at the Edinburgh Evening News in 1992, eventually becoming crime reporter. He moved to the Daily Record in 1996 as a general reporter, based in the Edinburgh office.
He was appointed home affairs correspondent for Scotland on Sunday in 1999 and went on to become the paper's chief reporter before moving into the role of news editor nine years ago.
Says Milne: “Signing a journalist of Peter Laing’s calibre is not only a statement of our intent as an agency, but a real show of faith by the board in the ambitions we have moving forwards.
“His depth of experience, skills as journalist and bulging contacts book means he will allow us to focus on breaking bigger and even more quality exclusives while helping develop the talented young team working with us.
“We view Peter’s capture as a real coup and look forward to the added dimension and dynamism he will bring as we look to further enhance the service we provide to the nation’s media.”
His appointment comes as the agency also embarks on rebranding itself as Deadline News as part of a wider redevelopment phase which will see an improved website, downloadable photo archives and further editorial appointments.
Director, Raymond Notarangelo added: “Peter’s arrival will be closely viewed particularly by everyone in the Scottish media – not least the other news agencies.
“His appointment provides a sure footing to develop and grow Deadline, enhancing its role as the agency of choice in Edinburgh.”
