Newsquest Scotland has passed 50,000 digital subscribers for the first time, hitting a major milestone in its drive to build sustainable, reader-funded newsrooms.
The publisher now has 51,153 subscribers across its range of national, local, sports, and magazine titles, reflecting the continuing support of readers who are choosing to pay for high-quality original journalism.
• The Herald, Newsquest’s flagship national news brand, now has 16,500 digital subscribers, with pro-independence sister title The National on 11,000.
• Its series of standalone digital sports publications, including the Rangers Review, Celtic Way, Hearts Standard, Hibs Observer and Scottish Rugby News – now has more than nearly 14,000 subscribers combined – as well as a series of thriving YouTube channels.
• Local readers are also signing up to pay for high-quality community news – with more than 7500 subscribers to the likes of the Glasgow Times, Greenock Telegraph, East Lothian Courier and Dunfermline Press.
• Specialist magazines division also has nearly 2,000 readers signed up to date.
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Callum Baird, editor-in-chief, said: “We have been very consistent in our belief that the best way to deliver sustainable digital newsrooms is to produce quality exclusive journalism and convince Scottish readers that it is worth paying for.
“Every editorial and product decision we make has this objective in mind – and our strategy is paying off with significant volume and revenue growth every year, delivered by an outstanding team of journalists and editors.
“This success has in turn allowed us to invest back into our newsrooms, with new staff roles created in areas of opportunity we’ve identified to help drive even faster growth.”
In July 2025, Newsquest also launched an “All Access Scotland” subscription bundle – where readers of The Herald or The National can upgrade to a package which grants also access to all of its sports platforms, as well as 15 local news sites, for an extra £2 per month.
More than two thirds of new digital subscribers now choose to subscribe to this product – which costs just £8.99.
Andy McGonigle, senior marketing manager, said: “Our All Access Scotland bundle is by far the best value subscription in Scottish journalism.
“If you want the best national news, politics, arts and business reporting in the country, as well as in-depth exclusive coverage of your football team, and top-quality local community news, now you can have it all in the one place for a low price the first time.”
Newsquest Scotland remains on track to achieve its long-term target of 75,000 subscribers by the end of 2027, with further innovation, new launches and investment in journalism as part of its plans for 2026.
David Ward, managing director, said: “Reaching 50,000 digital subscribers represents a remarkable period of growth and a moment of great pride for everyone at Newsquest Scotland.
“This achievement reflects the exceptional quality, dedication, and collaboration of our journalists and the many colleagues behind the scenes who harness data, trends, and audience insight to shape content that our customers are happy to pay for.”
