The Scottish Conservatives have launched a newspaper recovery plan to support the long term future of the industry.

The recovery plan will support local journalism and local newspapers through additional funding streams, support national media with additional Scottish Government advertising spend, rates relief and a journalism foundation.

Shadow Finance Secretary Donald Cameron said: “Warm words are not enough. We need a plan which secures the future of our local newspapers.

“A thriving local media is crucial for a well-functioning democracy as people need a reliable source of news for many reasons, not least so that they can hold to account their political representatives.

“This is just as important at a local level as at a national level.

“Here in the Highlands and Islands, our concerns are often far removed from those of the Central Belt and we need local newspapers so that local issues get the coverage they deserve.”