THE architect of the new system of press regulation, Lord Black of Brentwood, is to give a keynote address to the first ever Scottish Newspaper Society conference later this month.

Lord Black will kick off a day of debates about the future of Scottish newspapers at Glasgow's Radisson Blu Hotel on April 24

His speech is expected to coincide with appointment of the first chair of the new Independent Press Standards Organisation, which is set to become operational before the summer.

Also speaking at the event will be one of Scotland's leading media academics, Professor Philip Schlessinger of Glasgow University, who will be joined by Scottish information commissioner Rosemary Agnew and the current Scottish journalist of the Year, Gina Davidson.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 0131 557 5767.