Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has described the job cuts being made by Trinity Mirror at the Daily Record and Sunday Mail as ‘extraordinary’.

The announcement that 90 editorial jobs are to be shed at the Glasgow publisher, was discussed during First Minister’s Questions today, with SNP minister Sandra White questioning Salmond who admitted to not agreeing with the editorial stance of the newspapers, which have been supporters of Scottish Labour, but added that their survival was vital for debate in Scotland.

"They are a hugely important Scottish institution and an important part of the fabric of Scotland,” commented Salmond.

Labour leader Iain Gray said: “The loss of so many jobs at the Daily Record and Sunday Mail is a terrible blow for journalism in Scotland.

“It is a Scottish institution and plays a huge role in public life. Apart from grave concerns about the impact on the quality of journalism at the papers, it must be an awful shock for staff and their families, especially at a time when the economy is in such a state."

The NUJ in Scotland has already met with management at the newspapers to discuss the proposals, with another meeting to be held this afternoon.

Trinity Mirror today admitted that its other Scottish titles, freesheet The Glaswegian, and website Business7 would remain part of its plans despite the job cuts.