FORMER Sunday Times editor Andrew Neil has been named editor-in-chief of European Press Holdings, which owns the Scotsman, Scotland on Sunday and Edinburgh Evening News.

The group, which also owns the European, said the move was designed to accelerate an ongoing drive to improve the circulations of its four titles. The appointment, however, met a mixed reaction from pro-devolution supporters yesterday, given Mr Neil's well-publicised opposition to the movement.

In particular the continued editorial independence of the Scotsman, which has adopted a pro-devolution stance, was being questioned. Canon Kenyon Wright, of the Constitutional Convention, said last night he had real concerns over the appointment.

``Obviously there will be con-

siderable apprehension,'' he said. ``I would have some fear that the paper's stance might change.''

However, Mr Alan Taylor, deputy editor of the Scotsman, generally regarded as the flagship newspaper of the trio of newspapers based at North Bridge in Edinburgh, said the appointment boded well for the future of the group.

As to the personal political views of Mr Neil, Mr Taylor said he did not expect them to become a Scotsman hallmark. ``He is an individual, this is a newspaper,'' he said.

``First of all, he is editor-in-chief of four newspapers. Everyone is concentrating on the Scotsman, but our political stance is very clear. At the time of the Barclay brothers' takeover, we were asked to write a statement of what we stand for and what we are about.

``That statement reads: `Politically, we are neutral, except that we support the creation of a Scottish Parliament within the Union.''

Mr Neil himself made no comment on the political stance of the papers he will now lead, but drew attention to the devolution issue being at the forefront of UK politics.

He said: ``I am particularly excited to be involved with three Edinburgh-based newspapers at a time when Scottish affairs look likely to be moving to the centre of the national debate.

``I look forward to working closely with all the editors to develop their excellent newspapers into even stronger publications than they already have.''

Sir Michael Hirst, chairman of the Scottish Conservative Party, immediately welcomed the appointment. ``I'm delighted,'' he said. ``Andrew Neil has been a friend of mine for many years. He will bring a liveliness and international experience which I think will be very helpful.''

Sir Michael said he was aware of the differing political stance of the new editor-in-chief and the titles he takes over. ``The newspapers are pro-devolution and I'll be interested to see whether the editorial stance of the papers will continue as it is,'' he added. ``I hope to be making an early opportunity to welcome Andrew Neil back.''

Mr Mike Russell, chief executive of the SNP, said he would hold fire before making any judgment on the appointment.

``In a new post it is fair to give a new appointee a chance to prove himself,'' he said. ``Scotland will be watching the Scotsman. We await with interest Andrew Neil's re-entry into Scotland. Looking at Scotland from London is different than looking at Scotland from North Bridge.''

A Labour spokesman said: ``Clearly Andrew Neil's political views are well known. However, the editorial line of the Scotsman on devolution and on other issues is long established. I hope and trust that Andrew Neil will respect that.''

Scots-born Mr Neil was editor of the Sunday Times from 1983 until 1994 and has detailed his often stormy relationship with the title's proprietor, Rupert Murdoch, in a recent autobiography.