THE managing director of one of Scotland’s best-known magazine publishing companies – with a portfolio of both contracted and its own titles – has been named the new chair of the Scottish division of the sector’s representative body.
Alan Ramsay, of Connect Communications, succeeds Helenor Gilmour as chair of the Professional Publishers Association (Scotland). The vice-chair is Neil Braidwood, head of CMYK Design.
He was elected by PPA Scotland members and will work with PPA Scotland business manager, Nikki Simpson. His tenure is for two years.
In a PPA Scotland media release, Ramsay is quoted, as saying: “These are exciting and challenging times for the publishing industry and I am honoured that our community has chosen me as their chair. I believe PPA Scotland can help us all continue to run a vibrant publishing industry in Scotland, while making the most of the opportunities that digital platforms present.
“The organisation has an ongoing role championing the causes of our members, including influencing policy and improving recognition of the importance and success of publishing in Scotland. The members, however, are our number one priority and we are committing to the implementation of a number of initiatives that will support them in all they do.”
Connect’s contracted titles include The Journal of the Law Society of Scotland and Unfiltered, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society membership magazine, which was taken into Apple’s Newsstand this year as the world’s first-ever interactive whisky app.
Connect also publishes its own Scottish Dental magazine and launched the Scottish Dental Show earlier this year, winning the Brand Extension of the Year title at the recent Scottish Magazine Awards.
In total, it won four prizes at the awards ceremony, the other three being: Business and Professional Magazine Editor (for Peter Nicholson), Staff Magazine and, for Richard Croasdale, Feature Writer.
Gilmour is head of Brand and Consumer Insight at Dundee-based publishers, DC Thomson. She has been chair for three years. Hamish Miller was vice-chair but he has recently sold his Holyrood Communications business and is considering his options.
