Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has written to Kate Forbes, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, to urge the Scottish Government to help local newspapers, radio and online news providers.

Mr Cameron said: “The news media across the Highlands and Islands is providing an essential public service by keeping the public informed about the local  impact of the pandemic.

“They are doing a fantastic job but it costs money to source and publish this information at a time when their advertising revenues are being slashed as a result of the emergency.

“I have suggested a number of measures that could be introduced but it is imperative that ministers act quickly or I fear we risk losing an invaluable part of our region’s infrastructure.”