Phil Smith is Editor of The Scots Magazine, one of the oldest titles in the world. Grab 60 seconds with Phil and find out how you set about bringing a 273-year-old magazine on to the iPad.
How did you become an Editor?
After 30 years in newspapers, it came as much as a surprise to me when I made the decision to apply for a magazine editor’s job, but in the long run it was an easy decision to make as The Scots Magazine had been a fixture in our house when I was growing up.
Favourite magazine growing up?
Topper as a kid, then Omni, a science and science fiction monthly.
Your most interesting interview?
No-one famous. A Dundee grandfather who was writing down his life story for a young grandchild, so that subsequent generations would know their roots. He had played darts against the top professionals, kept goal for a non-league football team, and run his own business.
What’s your career highlight?
To date, getting this job!
The digital app opens up a whole new medium for engaging with readers. How we take that forward is very much in our thoughts and plans at present.
What makes your magazine unique?
Pocket-sized, but delivering a powerful mixture of history, culture, outdoors, wildlife and people, for everyone with a passion for Scotland.
How is your title adapting to new innovations in delivering content?
The digital app opens up a whole new medium for engaging with readers. How we take that forward is very much in our thoughts and plans at present.
Your fantasy front cover?
As a Doctor Who and Tolkien geek, I’d love to see Scot Sylvester McCoy (the seventh Doctor, currently involved with the filming of The Hobbit in New Zealand) in Middle Earth costume, in a Highland Perthshire setting.
Best example of reader loyalty or involvement?
In a recent reader survey, 96 per cent of subscribers would renew their subs.