THE managing director of Johnston Press's Scottish publishing unit is understood to be leaving the business.

Andrew Richardson had been in the post since February last year after a management shake-up saw him promoted from his role as managing director of The Scotsman Publications. The Edinburgh University graduate had worked for biscuit maker McVitie's and drinks giant Diageo prior to joining Johnston Press as a business development manager in 2007. It is not yet known who will replace him.