THE first of what is believed will be a series of district-based, free newspapers has been launched in Edinburgh by the publisher of The Scotsman newspaper.
The Morningside and Bruntsfield Gazette is a stand-alone, free monthly, with a print run of about 4,000 copies.
It follows a trend already established at other publisher, Johnston Press’s other production centres around the UK, pre-dating the arrival of the Record PM in Edinburgh, when it was launched last year at 15p, never mind the current free version, which ‘hit the streets’ for the first time yesterday.
And other suburban monthlies are expected to be set up in the capital in the near future. Available in shops and cafes, the Morningside and Bruntsfield Gazette will also carry news from neighbouring Merchiston.
Adverts last week in the Edinburgh Evening News – also published by Johnston Press – urged local people to send in their news.
“We’re keen to encourage local writing talent and invite contributions of news and photography,” declared the advert.
Spike has yet to see a copy, but understands that one column is from a former circulation manager at The Scotsman – Donald Grant, who now runs the local, Kay’s bookstore.