West Highland Free Press temporarily suspends publication

The West Highland Free Press has become the first Scottish newspaper to suspend publication due to the impact of coronavirus.

This week’s edition is the last for nearly two months. The majority of staff will be put on furlough until June when the situation will be reviewed.

Such drastic action has been forced by plummeting advertising revenue and reduced sales during the widespread lockdown.

Though a number of low circulation freesheets have also been hit as a result of the present economic crisis, the Free Press is the first big casualty in Scotland's newspaper industry.

In a front page editorial, Paul Wood, managing director at the employee-owned Free Press, highlighted the going was already tough for newspapers, “now the headwinds that blew against us have strengthened to storm force.”

He added: "With great reluctance and sorrow, we are forced to make this edition the last one for several weeks.

"It is our intention to resume publication on 5th June, but this will depend on the outcome of the struggle against an unpredictable enemy."

Mr Wood explained Covid-19 has closed most smaller newsagents and advertisers are under pressure.

"In short, our paper sales and vital advertising revenue have been hammered by this frightening new reality.”

John Toner, national organiser for the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Scotland, said: "This is a crucial time and the work of journalists is needed more than ever.

"The NUJ has lobbied hard for financial support for media businesses and self-employed journalists since the Government announced a lockdown, and we will continue to lobby.

"We will work to try to ensure that Scotland and the UK can have a media industry that survives this pandemic and is allowed to thrive afterwards.

"We send our wholehearted support to all those at the West Highland Free Press and look forward to June 5 when they hope to begin publishing again."

Biz Campbell, councillor for the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh ward, was dismayed to hear the of the paper's plight. She highlighted its absence will not only be keenly felt but will compound the stress of isolation for many in the community.

She said: "This is a very sad loss for the community. The paper is great for local news. Older folk are not in the habit of going online so they will miss it a lot.”

Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron said: “It’s at times like these that we really need vigorous and independent voices like those provided by the Free Press, which are strongly embedded in the communities that they serve.

“I am frankly dismayed that the paper is being silenced, even if temporarily, as a result of the pandemic.

“I will continue to press the Scottish Government to take urgent measures that help our local media to weather this storm so they can get back to performing their invaluable role in reporting local news and holding those in authority to account.”

Paul Wood explained: "We are one casualty among many. This Easter, the west Highlands and Islands have been a much quieter place; the economic cost of the lockdown can only be guessed at."

He continued: "Until the measures taken to stop the spread of Covid-19 bear fruit, the Free Press will not be able to document the events of the next few weeks, perhaps months, that will go by before something like the life we all knew is restored to us.

"In the interim, we will have no role, other than a limited online presence, telling those stories and fighting the corner of the west Highlands and Islands.

"That causes us much sadness. But is also makes us determined to pick up the reins again with renewed vigour, when circumstances allow."

West Highland Free Press temporarily suspends publication as virus hits revenue

15 April 2020