We are delighted to welcome on board Stewart Kirkpatrick, one of the country's leading digital content experts, to help drive the online campaign for Yes success in 2014.
Stewart is stepping down as editor of the award-winning Caledonian Mercury, the online newspaper he founded in January 2010, to take on the role of head of digital with us at Yes Scotland.
Announcing the appointment, our chief executive Blair Jenkins said: 'I am delighted that somebody of Stewart Kirkpatrick's calibre is joining our team. In 21st century campaigning, digital content, development and management are fundamental to success and Stewart is undoubtedly a proven leader in this field of expertise.'
Stewart will be responsible for all aspects of the campaign's digital network including Yesscotland.net. He will also oversee the development of the site to help Yes campaigners and supporters across the country link up and work together in local, regional and national groups.
Prior to setting up Caledonian Mercury, he was editor of Scotsman.com for seven years during which time traffic rose ten-fold. Stewart is a member of the international committee of the Online News Association and has been named one of the top 50 people shaping online journalism by industry magazine UK Press Gazette.
'I am very excited about joining the Yes Scotland team and working with Blair Jenkins who, as a journalist and broadcaster, I have admired and respected for many years, he said.
'I am aware of the challenges facing us and very excited about rising to them using all the channels that digital offers. Yes Scotland will be the biggest ever campaign of its kind and I am thrilled to be playing a part in it.'
