ACTIVIST investor Crystal Amber has hiked its stake in newspaper publisher Johnston Press to 6.74 per cent.

In a move likely to heighten speculation over its intentions for The Scotsman and Yorkshire Post publisher, Crystal lifted its holding in Edinburgh-based Johnston to 7,140,430 shares, having previously held 5,740,430.

It comes just a week after the investor lifted its stake to 5.42 per cent, after acquiring 1,955,000 shares.

Shares in Johnston Press closed up 0.25p at 21p last night.