Local newspaper publisher Johnston Press has confirmed it is in consultation with senior executives in Scotland, which JP title the Scotsman has reported is "over their future" at the company.

In a statement, recently appointed chief executive of Johnston Press Ashley Highfield said the consultation is "with senior executives at the Scotsman Publications Ltd and Johnston (Falkirk) Ltd". He did not state how many executives are part of the consultation, or the roles affected.

The Scotsman reports that the consultation is in relation to divisional managing director for Scotland and the North East Michael Johnston, said to be "the last member of the Johnston family" involved with the publisher.

Other executives also said to be affected include the divisional finance director for the region David Caskie and the managing director of Johnston Falkirk Richard Bell.

Highfield took over as chief executive of Johnston Press in November 2011.