Salmond joins bid to buy Scotsman paper
Ex-MP linked with buyout group for media firm
ALEX Salmond has joined a bid to take over the publishers of The Scotsman newspaper.
The former first minister said the national publication – which backed a No vote in 2014 – would be “pro-Scotland” on his watch.
But he also promised not to take editorial control if the plan to install new leadership at Johnston Press is successful.
Salmond, who l ost his Westminster seat in June, said each of the 300 newspapers in the group would be a “champion” for their communities.
The former SNP leader said: “Under our plan, the Yorkshire Post will be pro-Yorkshire, The Scotsman pro-Scotland, and The i trusted everywhere for the quality and accessibility of the information it provides.”
Salmond would become chairman of the group if plans led by investor Christen Ager-Hanssen are approved by shareholders.
Since losing his seat, Salmond has hosted a chat show at the Edinburgh Fringe and a weekly radio programme on LBC.
He said Johnston Press titles had been a “constant part” of his life, with his first job selling the Edinburgh Evening News.
Ager - Hanssen owns a Scandinavian version of the Metro newspaper and is a shareholder in Johnston Press through his Custos Group. He is expected to call an emergency general meeting to put his plans forward.
Tory Scottish Secretary David Mundell poked fun at the plan by comparing Salmond to former chancellor George Osborne, who is now editor of the London Evening Standard.
Mundell said: “I’ve always thought there were significant similarities between Alex Salmond and George Osborne and we’ll maybe get to learn more about them.
“He had 19 sell-out shows at the Fringe so I’m sure the entertainment section would be greatly enhanced if he was editing it.”