Scottish cultural magazine The Skinny saved after announcing closure

The long-running Scottish cultural magazine The Skinny has been saved three weeks after announcing its closure.

The team behind the Edinburgh-based publication said that September’s edition would be the final issue due to ongoing financial pressures.

It has now confirmed that arts charity Outer Spaces, which runs studios and exhibition spaces for artists across Scotland, has agreed a takeover of publisher Radge Media to stabilise operations and secure a future for the company.

Rosamund West, editor-in-chief, said: “The Skinny has worked for nearly 21 years to shine a light on Scottish arts and culture, support emerging talent and connect people to the creative lives of their cities.

“The last month has been incredibly challenging, but the outpouring of support from contributors and collaborators reaffirmed the importance of a space for local, independent, cultural journalism.

“We’re excited to become part of the Outer Spaces family, and to have this opportunity to continue our work within an organisation whose values align so closely with our own.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone for their support and to Outer Spaces for creating this opportunity to secure our future.”

The free magazine was launched in October 2005 and covers music, film, theatre, art, comedy, and literature.

It’s understood that Radge Media will retain full editorial control over its publications.

Shân Edwards, director of Outer Spaces, added: “We recognise the importance of strong, consistent and critical journalism as part of the arts ecosystem we operate within – which The Skinny has provided for the past 20 years – and we were pleased to be in the position to intervene with a solution to allow continued operations for The Skinny as well as Radge Media CIC’s other titles.”