Harkess headed for pastures new

THE deputy editor of The Herald newspaper is leaving for a senior post with economic development body, the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.

Janette Harkess has held the deputy editorship at The Herald for the last three years, and was deputy editor at sister title, the Evening Times, for six years before that.

In both instances, she was appointed by Charles McGhee, who resigned from The Herald almost exactly a year ago. She has also had senior roles with the both the Scottish Daily Mail and the Sunday Mail.

She has been appointed the SCDI’s director of Policy and Research.

Says SCDI, she will have “responsibility for the organisation’s agenda-setting work on the economy, energy, international trade and connectivity at a Scottish, UK and European level”.

Says Harkess, in a statement put out by the SCDI: “I am delighted to be joining SCDI at such a vital time for informed debate and new thinking. I look forward to adding my experience and energies to the team at SCDI and to working with members and stakeholders to explore and develop the issues which are vital to assuring a sustainable and successful future for Scotland.”

It’s understood no date has yet been set as to when she’ll be moving.