In the modern world, we increasingly get our news from various channels: social media, videos, podcasts, and the like. But there was a time when the newspaper was the sole and most trusted source. These publications were held to the highest standard of truthfulness. Every article or note published in them was expected to be as close as possible to the real state of affairs. In other words, a blatant distortion of events was hard to imagine, not least because censorship was a factor. A newspaper’s reputation depended precisely on the transparency of its facts, free from unnecessary gossip or unverified information. However, such a meticulous approach to the press is largely a thing of the past, and far from all publishers approach their work so impeccably. More at edinburgh1.one.
Unfortunately, print publications today do not enjoy the same popularity. A great many have moved to an online format. And, of course, in addition to websites, they offer readers other content that is more suited to the current news cycle.
However, there are newspapers and magazines that can fairly be called historic. Their very lifespan is a testament to their longevity and, of course, their ability to endure against all odds. As we know, many publications throughout history have failed to survive turbulent times. Yet, among them are the true survivors.
In Edinburgh, this is undoubtedly The Scotsman.
How It All Began
The idea for The Scotsman newspaper emerged in 1816. By January 1817, thanks to the lawyer William Ritchie and the customs official Charles Maclaren, the publication’s first issue saw the light of day.
It is worth noting that, in addition to these individuals, John Ramsay McCulloch was also a co-founder.
Price and Premises
From the very beginning, the newspaper positioned itself as an impartial and independent publication.
An issue cost 6 pence, plus a 4-pence tax. When the stamp duty was abolished in 1855, The Scotsman became a daily paper with a circulation of 6,000. The price subsequently dropped to just 1 penny.
In 1860, the publication acquired its own office. The magnificent Scots Baronial-style building was designed by the architectural firm Peddie & Kinnear.
December 1904 marked the newspaper’s move to a new and more spacious office. The construction of this building had taken three years.
New Ownership
Naturally, a successful publication that was in high demand with readers attracted the attention of many investors. In 1953, the newspaper was sold to the Canadian millionaire Roy Thomson, who was in the process of building a large media group. Then, in 1995, The Scotsman was acquired by David and Frederick Barclay. They, in turn, moved the publication to its modern offices on Holyrood Road.
High Quality and Reader Trust
However, the changes in ownership for the famous Scottish newspaper did not end there. In December 2005, it was sold again, this time to Johnston Press. At the time, they were one of the three largest publishers of local press in Great Britain.
But it is important to note something else here. Despite the numerous changes and transformations, The Scotsman resolutely maintained the quality of its articles. Nothing happening around it seemed to affect the standard of its reporting, its content, or its circulation.
The best proof of this came in 2012, when the publication was named “Newspaper of the Year” at the Scottish Press Awards.
A Participant in Major Events
As mentioned, The Scotsman has witnessed many historical events. However, the publication also played a direct role in significant moments of the past. Notably, the newspaper actively supported the campaign against Scottish independence during the 2014 referendum.
Changes at the Company
Johnston Press, which acquired The Scotsman in 2005, was also set for its own changes. In 2018, it was bought by JPIMedia. In 2020, JPIMedia was itself acquired by the publishing group National World.
Thus, The Scotsman is not just a famous Scottish newspaper. The publication can fairly be considered one of Edinburgh’s landmarks. After all, a city’s ‘calling cards’ are not always just sculptures, fountains, and buildings. There is often something intangible, without which it is impossible to imagine a particular place.
This very newspaper is unequivocally that intangible asset with which the Scottish capital is inextricably associated. The publication’s entire history is closely linked with Edinburgh’s past. And at a time when newspapers were the only reliable source, it was The Scotsman that provided the local population with the latest information. What’s more, readers’ trust in the publication has been proven over many years. The proof lies not only in its prizes and other valuable accolades; without a doubt, the best evidence of its success is the number of people who continue to read the paper, no matter what.
And even though we live in an era where the print press has long been challenged by digital versions, The Scotsman is not losing ground. Instead, it remains, as ever, a beloved Edinburgh newspaper with a fascinating past.