Salmond adviser joins PR firm

PUBLIC relations firm Weber Shandwick has announced the appointment of First Minister Alex Salmond's special adviser Jennifer Dempsie to a senior position within its public affairs arm.

Ms Dempsie – who has served Mr Salmond since the SNP administration was formed in May 2007 – will join in February as an associate director.

Its public affairs practice has also promoted Amy Rafferty to associate director. Both Ms Rafferty and Ms Dempsie will work with deputy managing director Moray Macdonald to expand the consultancy's political relations offering.

Nora Senior, Weber Shandwick in Scotland managing director, said: "We are extremely pleased to have attracted someone of Jennifer's calibre at a time when the public affairs arm is experiencing double-digit growth."