Belfast Telegraph unveils new editor

The former editor of the Scotsman, Mike Gilson, was today announced as the new editor of the Belfast Telegraph.

Independent News & Media (Northern Ireland) said Mr Gilson, 46, would take up his appointment in Belfast next week.

Mr Gilson was editor of the Scotsman in Edinburgh for two and a half years before resigning in February. He replaces Martin Lindsay who retired last week.

He previously edited The News in Portsmouth and the Peterborough Evening Telegraph. He also held senior management positions at The Western Mail, Cardiff and the Hull Daily Mail.

Mr Gilson said: "I am absolutely delighted to be taking the helm of such as prestigious newspaper as the Belfast Telegraph at such a significant time in the history of Northern Ireland.

"I hope to continue the finest traditions of the newspaper and maintain the high standards laid down by Martin Lindsay."

He said under his editorship the paper would continue to campaign and investigate without fear or favour, but would also give support to good works and deeds that improved the lives of its readers.

INM (NI) chief executive Michael Brophy said: "We welcome Mike to the newspaper with great enthusiasm. With his experience and track record he will make a major contribution to the future of the Belfast Telegraph."

Mr Gilson has won awards for circulation growth, for community reporting and for editorial campaigns.

Under his editorship the News in Portsmouth was named as the Newspaper Society's Campaigning Newspaper of the Year and last year the Scotsman dominated the Scottish Press Awards picking up six including Campaign, Scoop and Journalist of the Year prizes.

Mr Gilson was a member of the Press Complaints Commission's Code Committee from 2004 and has held other senior advisory positions within newspaper groups.