One of Scotland’s leading media companies is celebrating after passing 50,000 digital subscribers for the first time ever.
The headline figure is a significant milestone in Newsquest Scotland’s mission to build sustainable and reader-funded publications.
The company, which operates a range of titles across Scotland, now has 51,153 subscribers — enough to fill Hampden Park.
The Herald, Newsquest Scotland’s flagship national news brand, leads the way with a record-16,500 digital subscribers, followed by pro-independence publication The National with 11,000.
More than 14,000 people subscribe to Newsquest Scotland’s online sports publications, which include the Rangers Review, Celtic Way, Hearts Standard, and Hibs Observer.
An additional 7,500 subscribers have signed up for high-quality local coverage, including at the Glasgow Times, Greenock Telegraph, Dunfermline Press, and East Lothian Courier.
Bosses at the company have praised the hard work of journalists and production staff in reaching the milestone.
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.
He added: “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.”
Newsquest’s “All Access Scotland” subscription bundle – which allows readers of The Herald or The National to upgrade to a package which provides access to all sports platforms and 15 local news sites – has become a key subscription driver since it was launched in June.
Two thirds of new digital subscribers have chosen to subscribe to this product – which costs just £8.99 per month.
The company is on track to reach its goal of 75,000 subscribers by the end of 2027, with new investment planned for the coming year.
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.”
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