Ahead of the launch, publishers DC Thomson wrote: As part of a major investment in the title, the DC Thomson newspaper will unveil a new magazine, Courier Weekend. The weekly supplement will be packed with features from the current Saturday paper plus fashion, new writers and more food, travel and leisure.
The Courier Weekend will begin and end with two star columnists; news reader Fiona Armstrong will open the magazine writing about her life as a broadcaster and as the wife of the MacGregor clan chief and opinion writer Robert McNeil will crack a few smiles with his witty take on life. For the first time ever, the paper will carry seven-day TV listings as well as introducing television critic, Paul Whitelaw.
The Courier Editor Richard Neville said: “I am excited and proud to announce the extra content we will be bringing to our readers. Given the depth of local news plus all the national and international news you could need to stay informed and entertained, I believe this is a fantastic Saturday read.”
A team of top local chefs has been lined up – Martin Hollis, from St Andrews’ Old Course Hotel, Graeme Pallister from 63 Tay Street, Perth, Garry Watson, from Gordon's Restaurant in Inverkeilor, and Jonny Greer from Dundee’s Doubletree by Hilton. The award-winning chefs will guide readers through the kitchen with recipe ideas and tips for seasonal cooking.
Other new features include Meet your Maker which will spotlight Courier Country food and drinks producers, as well as familiar favourites like restaurant reviews, Saturday suppers and the Amber Lights whisky column. John Stoa will continue to cover the Scottish gardening seasons and the title will be introducing a new nature column.
Along with the recently-launched Farming pull-out, this now means that the Saturday Courier will be 50% bigger. The cost of The Courier on a Saturday will increase by 10p to 70p. It will remain at 60p from Monday to Friday.
Richard Neville added, “I believe the new price will represent fantastic value for money. The Courier will continue to be among the cheapest daily newspapers at the weekend but with more of the unique blend of local and regional content that our readers really want.”
