The deal for the regional newspaper publisher, which included the 191-staff P Scrogie printing plant in Peterhead and eight weekly titles, was first announced in January this year.

Archant chief executive John Fry said: “It has been an unsettling time for the staff in our Scottish business but they have turned in excellent performance both prior to the transaction and during a period of uncertainty. This is a credit to their commitment.

“We will be sad to see them leave Archant where the Scottish business has been a rich and vibrant part of the family, but they will have more opportunity as part of Johnston Press, which is expanding its activities in Scotland.”

According to Fry, Archant has no further newspaper disposal plans and remains keen to grow its newspaper operations in England as well as investing further in its magazine business.