Catherine Salmond: Editorial Leadership at the Heart of Scottish Journalism
Catherine Salmond is one of the most influential figures in contemporary Scottish journalism. With a career spanning nearly two decades across print and digital newsrooms, she has built a reputation for editorial rigour, newsroom leadership, and a deep commitment to public-interest journalism. Her rise to senior editorial roles reflects both professional consistency and a clear editorial vision shaped by experience at some of Scotland’s most respected newspapers.
Catherine Salmond Education and Academic Background
University of Glasgow and Literary Foundations
Catherine Salmond studied at the University of Glasgow, where she completed an MA (Hons) in English Literature and History between 2000 and 2004. During her studies, she was actively involved in student journalism, serving as News Editor of the Glasgow University Guardian and contributing to the Glasgow University Magazine. This early engagement with journalism helped develop her analytical skills, editorial judgement, and confidence in managing written content across different formats.
Career Beginnings in Regional Journalism
Training and Reporting Roles
Her professional career began in regional journalism, where she trained as a Trainee Reporter with the Dumfriesshire Newspaper Group in Annan. This period provided hands-on newsroom experience, covering local affairs, court reporting, and community stories.
She later progressed to the Fife Free Press as a Senior Reporter, working in Kirkcaldy. These formative years established her grounding in ethical reporting, deadline discipline, and audience-focused storytelling.
Advancing at the Edinburgh Evening News
From Reporter to Acting Features Editor
Catherine Salmond joined the Edinburgh Evening News, where she held several key roles over more than seven years. Starting as a Senior Reporter, she later became Acting Features Editor, overseeing feature content and coordinating editorial planning.
Her work during this period spanned both digital and print journalism, reflecting the industry’s transition towards integrated news production. She demonstrated strong editorial oversight, balancing breaking news with in-depth reporting.
Catherine Salmond Senior Editorial Roles at The Scotsman
Assistant News Editor and Live News Editor
Following her time at the Edinburgh Evening News, Catherine Salmond moved into senior editorial leadership at The Scotsman. She served as Assistant News Editor, followed by a role as Live News Editor, where she managed real-time news coverage and digital publishing strategies.
These roles required decisive leadership, audience awareness, and the ability to guide teams during fast-moving news cycles. Her work contributed to strengthening digital news delivery while maintaining editorial standards.
Editor of Scotland on Sunday
Editorial Direction and National Perspective
In August 2021, Catherine Salmond was appointed Editor of Scotland on Sunday, a nationally recognised Sunday newspaper. In this role, she shaped editorial direction, commissioned investigative journalism, and oversaw weekend coverage of politics, culture, and society.
Her tenure as editor highlighted her ability to balance traditional journalistic values with modern newsroom demands, strengthening the paper’s voice during a period of political and social change in Scotland.
Editor of The Herald
Leadership at a Historic Newspaper
Since September 2022, Catherine Salmond has served as Editor of The Herald, based in Glasgow. The Herald is recognised as the world’s longest-running national newspaper, and her appointment marked a significant milestone in its editorial history.
As editor, she oversees newsroom strategy, editorial standards, and content across platforms. Her leadership emphasises credibility, relevance, and thoughtful engagement with Scottish public life. She is widely recognised for guiding experienced editorial teams while encouraging innovation in storytelling.
Editorial Style and Professional Reputation
Digital and Print Expertise
Catherine Salmond’s career reflects a balanced command of digital and print journalism. She is known for a measured editorial style, clarity in communication, and strong newsroom management. Colleagues and industry observers associate her work with consistency, ethical reporting, and audience trust.
Her experience across regional and national titles gives her a broad understanding of readership needs and the evolving media landscape.
Professional Presence and Public Profile
Catherine Salmond maintains a professional presence on social media, where she engages with journalism, media commentary, and public discourse related to Scottish news. She keeps her personal life private, choosing to focus public attention on her editorial work and professional responsibilities.
Conclusion
Catherine Salmond represents a generation of editors who have successfully navigated the transformation of journalism in the digital age while preserving its core values. From her early reporting roles to leading major Scottish newspapers, her career demonstrates editorial integrity, adaptability, and leadership. As Editor of The Herald, she continues to play a central role in shaping informed public debate and the future direction of Scottish journalism.
FAQs
1. Who is Catherine Salmond?
Catherine Salmond is a Scottish journalist and senior editor. She is the current Editor of The Herald and has previously served as Editor of Scotland on Sunday, along with holding senior editorial roles at The Scotsman and the Edinburgh Evening News.
2. What is Catherine Salmond’s educational background?
She studied at the University of Glasgow, where she completed an MA (Hons) in English Literature and History. During her studies, she was actively involved in student journalism.
3. Is Catherine Salmond’s age or marital status publicly known?
No. Catherine Salmond keeps her personal life private. Her age, marital status, and family details have not been publicly disclosed, as she focuses her public profile on her professional career.
