The SNP Government is planning to allow public notices to be published online, denying local newspapers valuable income.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Culture spokesman Iain Smith MSP said:

“This is a worrying about-face from the SNP. In the past they have pledged their commitment to local newspapers but now they plan to cut a valuable chunk of their income.

“The public are unlikely to stumble across a relevant public notice on the internet. Local newspapers have always been a vital means of communicating with the public. They serve a unique role in communities, especially rural and remote ones.

“The Scottish Government should be committed to ensuring their continuation.”

Ends.