The Daily Record will launch The Aberdonian this Thursday (18 April), a free weekly newspaper for Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland.

The paper will be inserted free into the North East edition of the Daily Record and will also be available from vendors and selected retailers including supermarkets, key business premises and leisure destinations.

15,000 copies of the 32-page paper will be distributed and the launch will be supported by a marketing campaign which includes TV, radio and outdoor advertising.

The title is edited by Murray Foote, group editor of Media Scotland. His team includes journalist Charlie Gall, North East sports writer Michael Gannon and a host of star columnists.

The team of reporters and writers will provide news, business, sport and entertainment for the Aberdonian, as well as for an expanded northern edition of the Daily Record.

Allan Rennie, editor-in-chief of Media Scotland, said: "The Aberdonian will inform and entertain, with business and entertainment becoming weekly staples. 

"At the back of the newspaper our coverage will be devoted to grass-roots sports. We will not be wedded to any single political party or cosy up to vested interests.

“We promise a platform for alternative voices to generate informed debate about local issues. The only opinions that matter are those of the people living and working in Aberdeen.

"With help, support and feedback from our readers and advertisers we hope it will evolve into a newspaper that Aberdeen can be proud of."

More information on The Aberdonian will be available on the FeaturesExec media database shortly.