Three free weekly newspapers published by Johnston Press are to be closed – it is understood within the next month.
The Fife Leader, the Falkirk & Grangemouth Advertiser and the West Lothian Herald & Post are all to be closed, leaving the Glasgow South and Eastwood Extra as the only free title being published by Johnston Press in Scotland.
'Tough economic conditions' are being cited for the closures and it is believed there will be no editorial positions within the group – which publishes The Scotsman and several local, paid-for titles in Scotland, among others – affected.
The most recent circulation figures – from the Audit Bureau of Circulation – had the Fife Leader standing at 43,515, the Falkirk & Grangemouth Advertiser at 34,352, and the West Lothian Herald & Post at 31,817.
PS It is understood that newly-appointed editor at The Scotsman, Ian Stewart, is to retain his previous editorship of sister title, Scotland on Sunday.
