Mike Gilson has been appointed the new editor of The Scotsman

Mike Gilson, 43, is currently the editor of The News, a local newspaper in Portsmouth run by Johnston Press. He will replace John McGurk.

Johnston Press bought The Scotsman and other titles from the Barclay brothers last year.

Mr Gilson's appointment will surprise some in the media who had seen former Herald Editor Mark Douglas-Home as a favourite for the job.

The Scotsman I edit will tackle the issues of the day, addressing the concerns of its readership and the community as a whole Mike Gilson

He is a member of the Press Complaint Commission's code committee - having served for three years - and Johnston Press' Editorial Review Group, which advises the company board on editorial issues.

He is also chairman of the company's digital publishing working party advising on future newsroom operations in the digital age.

The News, which he has edited since 2000, is currently the Newspaper Society's Campaigning Newspaper of the Year for its efforts to win an Arctic Star medal for British veterans of the World War 2 Russian Convoys.

Previously he was editor of the Peterborough Evening Telegraph, night editor of The Western Mail in Cardiff, and news editor of the Hull Daily Mail.

Decision makers

Mr Gilson said: "I am delighted to be appointed to such a prestigious and challenging post. The Scotsman has a fantastic history and plays a pivotal role in Scottish life.

"I am a committed journalist and any newspaper I edit places itself at the centre of debate, sparks opinion and is talked about.

"The Scotsman I edit will tackle the issues of the day, addressing the concerns of its readership and the community as a whole."

He said he expected The Scotsman to connect with decision makers and opinion formers every day, both challenging them and giving them a platform.

Mr Gilson's appointment comes three weeks after Johnston Press unveiled Les Snowdon - editor of the Sunday Times Scotland - as editor of Scotland on Sunday.

Michael Johnston, managing director of Johnston Press' Scottish division, said: "Mike Gilson and Les Snowdon are two outstanding journalists.