Dunoon Observer

The Dunoon Observer and Argyllshire Standard has new owners. The historic title has been purchased for an undisclosed sum by Argyll Media Ltd, a sister company of Annan-based DNG Media, the largest independent publisher in Dumfries and Galloway with four local newspaper titles. All staff have transferred to the new company, and the Dunoon Observer will continue to be produced from the offices at the corner of Dunoon's Argyll Street and John Street. DNG Media's Managing Director Peter Laidlaw said: "The Dunoon Observer and Argyllshire Standard, with its long history of being family-run, fits very well with our philosophy of running local newspapers and we would like to thank the Carmichael family for entrusting the future of the titles to us. "We very much share similar business values and view local newspapers as being a vital part of the local community. "Whilst there are many challenges we have a very positive view of the future and believe local newspapers have a unique role to play as a service to the local community. Mr Laidlaw continued: "We look forward to working with editor Gordon Neish and his team to provide a modern, colourful and informative product while at all times being fair and balanced in our reporting." Gordon Neish said: "We are all very excited about the future of our local paper. "Over the coming weeks it will become brighter with more local news, more features and more of interest to our communities. "Our aim is to make the Dunoon Observer the best it can be - and we will all work hard to make that happen."