THREE senior positions are being axed as part of a shake-up of Johnston Press's Scottish operations.

John McLellan, editor-in-chief of The Scotsman Publications is among those who has been placed on leave while their futures are discussed. Angus County Press managing director Angus Morrison and divisional newspaper sales director Keith McIntyre are the others whose jobs no longer exist.

The publisher said it was trying to create "a flatter, more efficient management structure" at its Scottish publishing unit.

The changes will see more editors and managers reporting to Andrew Richardson, managing director of the Scottish arm.