Edinburgh Evening News: Circulation Trends and Corporate History
The Edinburgh Evening News has long served as a primary source of information for the Scottish capital. Over the last decade, the publication has navigated a shifting media landscape, transitioning from a dominant print presence to competing in a digital-first environment.
The Decline of Print Circulation
Like many traditional newspapers, the Edinburgh Evening News has experienced a steady decrease in its print circulation. According to figures from the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), the paper's reach has contracted significantly over the past several years.
In February 2014, circulation stood at 28,000, a decrease from the 32,160 recorded in February of the previous year. This downward trend continued into 2016, with numbers dropping to 18,362, and further declining to 16,660 by February 2018. By 2023, the circulation had fallen to 6,226.
Corporate Transitions and Ownership
The financial stability of the publication was impacted by the struggles of its parent company. In November 2018, Johnston Press, the holding company for The Scotsman Publications (which owned the Edinburgh Evening News), entered administration—a legal process where an external practitioner is appointed to manage the company's affairs to pay off creditors.
Following this period of insolvency, the assets were acquired by JPIMedia.
Market Competition and Digital Evolution
Historically, the Edinburgh Evening News faced stiff competition from the Edinburgh Evening Dispatch. This rivalry ended in 1963 when the Evening News subsumed its competitor.
In the modern era, the competition has shifted to the web. Following the launch of the Edinburgh Live website in September 2018, the Edinburgh Evening News now ranks as the second largest news website in the city.
Operational Changes and Relocation
The publication previously shared headquarters with its sister titles, The Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday, at Barclay House on Holyrood Road. In 2014, the newspapers vacated these premises and moved to a smaller office at Orchard Brae House on Queensferry Road.
This downsizing effort allowed Johnston Press to reduce operational costs by approximately one million pounds per year. Interestingly, the former headquarters at Barclay House is now the primary business address for Rockstar North, the developers of the Grand Theft Auto video game series.
Key Facts
- Circulation Drop: Fell from 32,160 (Feb 2013) to 6,226 (2023).
- Ownership Change: Assets moved from Johnston Press to JPIMedia after administration in 2018.
- Market Position: Second largest news website in Edinburgh after Edinburgh Live.
- Cost Saving: Relocation from Barclay House to Orchard Brae House saved £1 million annually.
- Historical Merger: Subsumed the Edinburgh Evening Dispatch in 1963.
| Date | Circulation Figure |
|---|---|
| February 2013 | 32,160 |
| February 2014 | 28,000 |
| 2016 | 18,362 |
| February 2018 | 16,660 |
| 2023 | 6,226 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Edinburgh Evening News' circulation?
The circulation has seen a significant decline over the last decade, dropping from over 32,000 in early 2013 to 6,226 by 2023.
Who currently owns the publication?
After Johnston Press went into administration in November 2018, the assets were sold to JPIMedia.
Where is the newspaper currently headquartered?
The publication moved from Barclay House on Holyrood Road to Orchard Brae House on Queensferry Road in 2014.
How does the paper rank in the digital market?
It is currently the second biggest news website in Edinburgh, trailing behind Edinburgh Live, which launched in September 2018.
What happened to the Edinburgh Evening Dispatch?
The Edinburgh Evening Dispatch was a rival publication that was subsumed by the Edinburgh Evening News in 1963.