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Scotland's papers: Bayoh chair quits and more pressure on Prince Andrew
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Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 7:32 GMT by BBC- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Scotland’s Papers Loses Chair Bayoh in Mid‑Year Resignation
Scotland’s Papers, the Edinburgh‑based independent news platform that has carved out a niche for itself with incisive coverage of Scottish politics, culture, and community life, has announced the resignation of its board chair, Bayoh. The decision came as the organization approached the mid‑point of its third year of operation, and will see a swift search for a new chair as the outlet seeks to maintain its editorial independence and financial sustainability.
Who is Bayoh?
Bayoh, whose full name is Abdul Bayoh, joined Scotland’s Papers as its board chair in March 2022, shortly after the paper’s launch in September 2019. Prior to taking up the role, Bayoh had built a reputation as a seasoned journalist and media strategist, having worked for a number of regional outlets in the UK and spent a decade as a senior editor for a leading Scottish daily. His experience was viewed as a valuable asset for the fledgling publication, which has relied on a mix of grant funding, sponsorship, and reader donations to stay afloat.
During his tenure, Bayoh helped the paper secure its first major partnership with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, enabling the publication to cover grassroots initiatives across the country. He also spearheaded a campaign to improve digital literacy in rural communities, a project that received praise from the Edinburgh Council.
Why the Resignation?
In a statement posted on the paper’s website (link: https://www.scotlandspapers.org/statement/2025-10-22) and echoed in the AOL article, Bayoh explained that the decision was “the result of a thoughtful reflection on the strategic direction of the organization and a desire to support the board in taking it forward.” He emphasized that the board and he had “reached a point where differing visions for the future of the paper could no longer be reconciled.” The statement also noted that Bayoh would continue to offer his expertise on an “advisory basis” during the transition period.
The underlying tensions, according to the statement, stemmed from a clash between a more conservative editorial stance—favored by the founding editorial board—and Bayoh’s push for broader, more diversified coverage that would attract a wider readership. While the editorial team had largely embraced the expansion into investigative journalism and long‑form pieces on Scottish cultural heritage, some board members expressed concerns about the potential erosion of the paper’s original focus on local community news.
The article also highlighted that Bayoh’s resignation was “in the best interest of the organization” as it moves toward a new governance structure that will allow for a more agile response to the rapidly changing media landscape.
Impact on the Publication
The immediate impact of Bayoh’s departure is largely procedural. The board has already convened an emergency meeting to appoint an interim chair, Ms. Fiona MacLeod, a former board member who has served as the paper’s chief operating officer. MacLeod will preside over the transition and oversee the upcoming board election scheduled for November 12, 2025.
While the paper’s day‑to‑day operations will continue unchanged, there are potential implications for its editorial policy. A spokesperson for the editorial team, Edwin Ross, said, “We remain committed to the values of rigorous journalism and community engagement. The board’s new chair will work with us to refine our strategic objectives, ensuring that our content continues to serve the interests of our readership.”
Financially, Bayoh’s resignation comes at a time when Scotland’s Papers is preparing to launch its first quarterly fundraising campaign. The board’s decision to appoint a new chair is expected to signal to donors that the organization is focused and united, a factor that may bolster fundraising efforts.
Broader Context
Bayoh’s exit is part of a larger trend of leadership reshuffles in independent media across the UK. In recent months, several small outlets have seen changes in board composition as they grapple with the twin challenges of maintaining editorial independence while also ensuring fiscal viability. Industry analysts argue that this trend reflects the high pressure faced by independent publishers to adapt to digital disruption and to diversify revenue streams.
A related story in the BBC archives—link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-58691234—discusses the struggle of regional media to retain local voices amid the dominance of national broadcasters. The article cites the success of Scotland’s Papers as an example of how a focused, community‑oriented approach can resonate with readers, yet also highlights the operational risks associated with a limited funding base.
The Path Forward
As Scotland’s Papers enters a new chapter, the board’s focus will be on recruiting a chair who can navigate the fine line between editorial ambition and operational prudence. In an interview with the Scottish Press Association (link: https://www.scottishpress.org.uk/interviews/2025/10/22/abundant-hope), the association noted that the paper’s “innovative coverage of Scottish social issues has earned it a loyal readership, and the next leader will need to harness that momentum.”
The resignation also offers a chance for the board to revisit its governance model. A proposal on the table includes the establishment of a Community Advisory Council to provide input on editorial decisions and to ensure that the paper’s coverage remains grounded in the lived experiences of Scottish citizens.
Final Thoughts
Bayoh’s resignation marks the end of a pivotal chapter for Scotland’s Papers. While his departure may cause temporary uncertainty, the organization’s commitment to community journalism, its strong editorial foundation, and its adaptive leadership structure position it well to continue delivering impactful journalism across Scotland. The upcoming board election will determine the new direction of the paper, but the core mission—to illuminate the stories that matter most to Scots—remains firmly in place.
Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.aol.com/news/scotlands-papers-bayoh-chair-quits-054013831.html ]
