In September, independent Scottish magazine The Skinny announced their closure after 20 years of delivering free, quality, journalism across the nation.
The news was met with outrage; after such a long period of status in Scotland’s media scene, the public was appalled that financial troubles could be so significant within the field.
Luckily for The Skinny, three weeks after their closing statement, Scottish arts charity Outer Spaces combined in a partnership with Radge Media CIC to save the magazine, as well as its offshoots of Gnaw and Fest.
Watching this news unfold as a young journalist and the Editor-in-Chief of a student publication was heartwarming. I grew up in Edinburgh, where The Skinny could be found in every waiting room, pub, Fringe beer garden table and bookshop. It’s been around for nearly the same amount of time as I have, and I’ve always felt proud when stocking it in the pub I bartend at, or picking up a copy to carefully select my Fringe bill for the year.
It is delightful to watch the Scottish arts community rally to pick up this staple publication. After years of comments about the journalism industry as my chosen path – “Won’t it all be AI by the time you graduate? Who even reads newspapers anymore?” – it feels like a future promise of a society that cares about top-notch reporting and writing.
However, I can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. The publication I co-run, alongside EiC Emily Reid, is in jeopardy. The Gaudie is the country’s oldest independent student publication, and has delivered passionate, hard-hitting journalism since its dawn in 1934. We have produced multiple award winning journalists who are changing the game currently in the Scottish world of journalism.
Our scoops are picked up by national publications tens of times a year, and we champion holding power to account, as well as maintaining a busy arts section covering the wider world of Aberdeen’s offerings.
Sadly, our financial situation has changed after funding was withdrawn. As young journalists dedicating our university years to The Gaudie, it feels like we have one foot in either world. One values Scottish, independent, free journalism, rallying as a community to ensure its future. The other feels weighed down, stuck up north with a financially flailing newspaper that, despite its consistent triumphs and industry value, cannot secure consistent funding.
Student publications are often the key foundations that boost student journalists to become the inquisitive, experienced, and talented professionals that now make up Scotland’s media sphere.
I’d even venture to say that without one, the other cannot survive. At least not long term. Our position as publication is precarious, but we do not want to grovel or beg for donations. Times are tight, which has been clearly demonstrated by excellent publications such as The Skinny needing help. However, if you can think of a way that The Gaudie can continue to extend its legacy, we implore you to get in touch. We may not be The Skinny, but we promise to continue to deliver the quality publication we always have – we just need a little help to get there.
