Johnstone has worked in the media industry for nearly 20 years, with experience in both newspapers and magazines.

He commented, “As My Weekly Editor, I am looking forward to leading this much-loved brand forward. Although this is a challenging time for print media, it is also one of great opportunity.

“It’s my aim to enable our talented team to be proactive in looking for new, exciting ways of continuing to give our readers a wonderful magazine, packed with all the great content they have come to expect over the years.”

Johnstone takes over the role from Sally Hampton, who is now Consumer Magazines Publisher for DC Thomson Media, with overall responsibility for My Weekly, The Scots Magazine, No.1 and Scottish Caravans & Motorhomes, as well as new product development within the Consumer Magazine sector.

“After 12 years at the helm of My Weekly, I’m delighted to hand over to another magazine enthusiast. With tons of ambition and fresh ideas and a talented team behind him, I’m sure Stuart will take My Weekly from strength to strength,” Hampton added.

The latest ABC release shows the sale of My Weekly reaching nearly 100,000 copies every week. The magazine, which was first published in 1910, contains celebrity interviews, cookery features, contemporary fiction and advice from expert columnists.

My Weekly is on sale every Tuesday.