Buchanan Communications closes office in Edinburgh

PUBLIC relations firm Buchanan Communications has closed its loss-making Edinburgh office.

The Castle Street operation was shut down at the end of last week. Diane Stewart, who ran the office, has taken a couple of clients with her, one of which is Alternative Investment Market-quoted company Superglass, which she will manage in a private capacity.

Carrie Clement left a month ago to join rival outfit 3X1. Karyn McShane is still looking for another job.

Richard Oldworth, executive chairman at Buchanan, told The Scotsman: “Over the past 18 months there has been insufficient revenue to cover the costs of running the office.”

The company will continue to run the public relations account for the Green Investment Bank (GIB) in London, while former BAA airports spinner Malcolm Robertson handles GIB’s Edinburgh operation.

He has recently teamed up on the account with Debbie Byers of BeelinePR. They will work alongside the in-house team led by Stephen Moir.

Buchanan’s closure follows the sudden departure two weeks ago of Nicki Sturzaker from the Edinburgh office of The Big Partnership. She headed up the team in Calton Road for three years but left last month by mutual agreement with no position lined up. There has been no announcement of a replacement.

Another significant move in the sector will be revealed in The Scotsman on Monday.