Hawick newspaper to close ten years after launch
Last updated 3rd Jul 2026
It's been announced The Hawick Paper is to close - ten years after its launch in the Scottish Borders.
The weekly newspaper had been put up for sale in February but, in a front page piece this morning (Friday), editor Jason Marshall revealed that without a buyer in place the final edition will be published on July the 31st.
It's reported there had been "significant interest" but extensive efforts to reach an agreement were unsuccessful.
"It's a very sad outcome as the paper has been such an important part of community life," he said.
"And I'm sure it will be greatly missed by readers, contributors, and everyone who has supported it over the years."
Mr Marshall launched the newspaper in competition with his former title, the Hawick News in 2016; with the Johnston Press paper closing three years later.
According to an interview with holdthefrontpage.co.uk in February, the then 55-year-old revealed he began his career as an apprentice compositor at the News in 1986, moving to the editorial department as a page designer the following year and eventually becoming a sub-editor.
He took voluntary redundancy from JP – now part of Iconic Media – after 30 years of service at the News and sister title the Southern Reporter.
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"My priority has always been to ensure The Hawick Paper continues serving the town long into the future," he added.
"But, without a buyer in place, the final edition will be published on July 31st."
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According to an earlier article on holdthefrontpage.co.uk, the Paper’s first edition, of which 3,000 copies were printed, sold out in two days. And, in 2018, it reported a circulation of 3,300, as well as 200 subscribers to its digital edition.
It began life with one advertising executive, two freelance journalists, a freelance sport editor, and three freelance photographers.
Local MP John Lamont described the announcement as "very sad".
He added: "The newspaper has been an important part of our community over the last decade, and I will greatly miss it. I know many residents will too.
"My thanks go to the paper’s proprietor, Jason Marshall, for all his hard work over many years."
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