The Scottish Government has moved its account from MediaCom Edinburgh to Feather Brooksbank it emerged this evening.

The business has been worth £60m in past years, but even with cuts of around 50%, it is still Scotland’s largest media buying account estimated at between £60 million - £80 million over four years.

MediaCom had held it since 2004 and its loss will be a significant blow. When it originally picked up the business it transformed the agency into Scotland’s largest buying point overnight.

However, it was often accused of channeling much of its buying through its London office, to the chagrin of Scottish-based media sales operations who saw a sharp decline in business as a result; which is why many will now welcome this decision.

The review itself was not smooth. Originally the Scottish Government was planning to make a decision last month, but this had been delayed because of ‘due process’.

Industry speculation suggested that part of the issue may be TUPE regulations, which might see some MediaCom staff transfer to Feather Brooksbank.

Feather Brooksbank, MediaCom and the Scottish Government were not available at the time of writing. Further details will be published as they emerge.

The appointment follows a tender exercise in collaboration with key stakeholders from across the Central Government Sector and will be used by 23 collaborative partners.