Johnston Press, the publisher of the Scotsman and the Yorkshire Post as well as the Belfast News Letter and other regional titles north of the Border, reported a 27 per cent fall in adjusted profit before tax as lower employment, property and motor classifieds hurt its earnings.

The 190-year-old publication firm’s adjusted pretax profit fell to £12.3 million (€11 million) in the 26 weeks ended July 2nd, while revenue fell 9.7 per cent to £113.9 million. The company also said it was too early to assess how Britain’s decision to leave the European Union would affect its revenue.

Johnston Press said its revenue declined despite a hike in readership over Brexit and higher circulation from its acquisition of the i newspaper. – (Reuters)