Scottish Provincial Press, one of the biggest local newspaper groups north of the border, has returned improved profits in its year-end accounts despite a slump in advertising revenues for many newspapers,

SPP increased operating profits by 8 per cent to £2.43m in the 52 weeks to September last year, compared to the previous 12 months, reports the Herald.

The company increased turnover by four per cent - up to £15m - from its 12 titles including the Caithless Courier and John O'Groats Journal.