THE communications director of the Yes Scotland campaign has quit after only 10 months in the job.
Susan Stewart, who left the post with more than a year to go before the independence referendum on September 18, 2014, pledged to carry on working for the pro-independence group in an ambassador role.
Ms Stewart came to the post from Glasgow University but had been steeped in post-devolution politics as Scotland's first dedicated diplomat in the British Embassy in Washington.
Yes Scotland chief executive Blair Jenkins, who began his career in newspapers and has mainly worked in broadcasting, is expected to take a more hands-on role for the finale of the independence campaign. Yes Scotland is also served by the Hay McKerron media firm, which is well connected to and respected by the newspaper sector.
It was stressed that there would be no let-up in the intensity of the media campaign.
Ms Stewart said: "It has been a privilege to work with Yes Scotland in its first year. I am looking forward to my new ambassadorial role within the wider campaign but now is also the time for me to pursue other opportunities.
"I am 100% committed to doing all I can to win a Yes vote in next year's referendum because I believe that only independence offers Scotland the opportunity to shape a fairer and more prosperous future."
Mr Jenkins said: "Susan has done a great job in helping to get Yes Scotland to a position of operating strength in its first year and I would like to thank her for her enormous contribution to the campaign. We will be using her talents and expertise for the benefit of the wider campaign for a Yes vote in 2014."
The statement spoke of an integrated strategy, communications and digital media team under chief executive Blair Jenkins, suggesting that he was taking over the post.
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