Evening Express: A History of Aberdeen's Local Daily Newspaper
The Evening Express is a long-standing daily local newspaper dedicated to serving the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. Since its inception in the late 19th century, it has evolved through various formats and editorial shifts to remain a primary source of news for the region.
Key Facts
- Founded: 20 January 1879
- Owner: D. C. Thomson & Co. Ltd.
- Publisher: Aberdeen Journals
- Headquarters: Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
- Circulation: 9,449 (as of 2023)
- Format: Tabloid
Evolution and Publication History
The Evening Express first entered circulation on 20 January 1879. Over the decades, the publication transitioned between different formats. It operated as a tabloid (a smaller newspaper format) from the 1930s to the 1950s before returning to a broadsheet (a larger, traditional format) in November 1958, publishing six days a week.
The format shifted again in September 1989, when the Saturday edition returned to tabloid size while weekdays remained broadsheet. By February 1995, the paper fully adopted the tabloid format for all six days of its weekly publication.
One notable historical feature was the Green Final, a Saturday night edition printed on distinctive green paper. This edition focused on football results and the performance of Aberdeen FC. While the Green Final ended its regular run in June 2002, the name is still occasionally used for junior football reports.
To mark its 40,000th edition, the newspaper hosted a unique reader competition where the winner received 40,000 one-penny pieces, totaling £400.
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Digital Integration and Circulation
The newspaper is published by Aberdeen Journals Ltd, alongside its sister publication, the Press and Journal. In November 2021, the Evening Express transitioned its digital presence by merging its website into the existing Press and Journal platform.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Editor | Craig Walker |
| Sister Papers | Aberdeen Citizen, Scot-Ads, Press and Journal |
| Website | eveningexpress.co.uk |
| Circulation (2023) | 9,449 |
Editorial Voice and Columnists
The publication features a variety of specialized columnists. General interest and entertainment are covered by Moreen Simpson, Scott Begbie (Entertainments Editor), and former Grampian TV presenter Frank Gilfeather. Ewan Cameron provides weekly TV critiques in the Saturday Weekend section.
Sports coverage is a cornerstone of the paper, led by Sports Editor Charlie Allan and reporter Sean Wallace. The sports pages also feature insights from former Aberdeen F.C. players, including Stewart McKimmie, Joe Harper, and Willie Miller.
Notable Controversies
Trump International Golf Links
The Evening Express was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump's development of a golf resort at the Menie Estate in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire. This project was highly controversial as it was located on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (an area protected for its flora, fauna, or geological features) and opposed by many locals.
The paper's support was aggressive; in 2007, it published photos of seven councillors who voted against the project with the headline "You Traitors." In 2009, the paper refused to report on the protest group "Tripping Up Trump," claiming the group was not "bona fide." Critics argued that both the Evening Express and the Press and Journal provided disproportionately positive coverage of the development.
Conflict with Aberdeen Football Club
In February 2008, players from Aberdeen Football Club initiated a boycott, refusing to give interviews to the Evening Express due to perceived negative reporting. The tension centered on the paper's speculation that several players would leave the club during the summer.
While manager Jimmy Calderwood described the paper's speculation as "naughty," he disagreed with the players' decision to cease communication. The ban was short-lived and was lifted in early March 2008.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Evening Express founded?
The newspaper was founded on 20 January 1879.
Who owns the Evening Express?
The publication is owned by D. C. Thomson & Co. Ltd. and published by Aberdeen Journals.
What was the Green Final?
The Green Final was a Saturday night edition printed on green paper that focused on football results and Aberdeen FC progress; it ceased regular publication in June 2002.
How has the newspaper's format changed over time?
It has cycled through several formats, serving as a tabloid from the 1930s to 1950s, returning to broadsheet in 1958, and finally returning to a full tabloid format in February 1995.
What happened to the Evening Express website?
In November 2021, the website was merged with the Press and Journal website.