ONE of Scotland’s longest-serving daily newspaper reporters has been hailed “a great journalist and absolute gentleman” after choosing to take an early retirement deal.
Slipping off without any fuss at the end of last month, John Thomson left the Banff office of The Press and Journal after 36 years service in the fishing port.
Thomson was a reporter on the sister title, the Aberdeen Evening Express, when he was sent to Banff in 1976 for an initial two-year attachment, but stayed on.
Says a source, he “formed a formidable partnership with the P&J’s Banff man, Bob Carter”. Following Carter’s retirement, Thomson transferred to the P&J ten years ago.
Following Thomson’s departure, the P&J has closed its Banff office and the area will now be covered by the newspaper’s Peterhead operation.
Says P&J editor, Damian Bates: “John is one of a rare breed: a great journalist and an absolute gentleman. His commitment and dedication to reporting the news from the north and north-east of Scotland has been astounding. Everyone at the P&J and Evening Express wish John all the very best for the future; he deserves to put his feet up a little bit and have a rest.”
