Rural Affairs Correspondent

The Scotsman, Scotland's National Newspaper, has been at the centre of Scottish life for more than 200 years, with a hard-earned reputation for its authoritative journalism from around Scotland and the world.

Join us, and you'll also find a news organisation determined to do things differently: to produce brilliant, original journalism in text, video, audio and in print, with a blossoming digital future and a tight focus on what our customers need.

This year will see rapid innovation across our platforms, and we are now on the lookout for people who want to help us create brilliant, informative and entertaining Scottish journalism.

You'll get the chance to work with a close-knit, highly-motivated team, based in George Street, Edinburgh, with flexible working arrangements available.

The role

We are now looking for a **Rural Affairs Correspondent** to work across both The Scotsman and sister title Scotland on Sunday, as we grow these respected news brands for the future.

The successful applicant should be passionate about the issues that impact directly on Scotland’s agricultural and food-producing regions, and ready to explain them concisely and with great insight for our readers. They should be willing to get out into the great outdoors to tell the stories of local communities and workers - as much at ease with pulling on a pair of wellies and speaking to a farmer on their land as questioning policymakers at Holyrood about the impact of Brexit on Scotland’s food production.

The Scotsman’s Rural Affairs Correspondent will also be expected to delve into the issues that underpin Scotland’s island communities - from population concerns to tourism and traditional practices such as crofting. They will be tasked with shining a light on those communities and issues outside of the Central Belt that can be all too often overlooked.

We are seeking someone who is digitally savvy, as comfortable on screen as they are in type. They should have some pre-existing journalism experience and a proven ability to forge strong relationships with key stakeholders, from the farming industry to community leaders and political representatives.

The successful applicant will be able to grow into an authoritative voice when it comes to providing commentary around rural affairs, and be full of fresh ideas on how to best cover a brief that is hugely important to The Scotsman’s audience. They will also be expected to provide fresh insight and coverage around prominent events on Scotland’s annual calendar, such as the Royal Highland Show.

**Responsibilities**:

- Offer an in-depth, sophisticated insight into complex issues such as food production, animal welfare and the reliability of supplies to Scotland’s island communities;
- Look beyond a crowded news schedule to deliver exclusive interviews and an original, thought-provoking take on rural affairs;
- Build a strong contacts list with those in the farming and agricultural sectors, and other associated stakeholders in Scotland’s rural areas;
- Maintain a strong social media and digital profile;
- Take a lead and contribute towards engaging video content around rural affairs, including involvement in The Scotsman’s video bulletins and livestream events;
- Liaise and work alongside other specialists at The Scotsman to contribute to our rural affairs coverage in areas that extend into other fields such as politics.

**Skills**:

- A strong journalistic track record, with some experience in the reporting of rural affairs desired;
- A keen eye for a story and a proven track record of writing explainers, as well as breaking exclusive and original content;
- A high level of analytical and storytelling skills;
- Able to create engaging digital multimedia;
- A people person, who is able to work collaboratively within a team of specialists and the wider newsroom;
- NCTJ qualification or equivalent experience and a sound understanding of the IPSO code.

The Scotsman is part of National World, one of the largest national, regional and local multimedia organisations in the UK, so you'll also find all the training and career-development opportunities a big company can offer.
- National World is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment as an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. Consideration will be given to flexible working options for all roles._