Johnston Press announced it received a letter from major shareholder Custos Group AS requisitioning a general meeting of the company’s shareholders.

Custos is run by Norwegian activist investor Christen Ager-Hanssen who wants Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond to become chairman of Johnston Press.

“The requisition proposes resolutions that Camilla Rhodes and Michael Butterworth be removed as directors of the company, and that Alexander Salmond and Steve Auckland be appointed as non-executive directors of the company.

“The requisition also proposes that any person appointed as a director of the company since November 6, 2017 (being the date of the requisition) be removed as a director of the company.

“The Johnston Press board is consulting with its advisers and will update its shareholders with regard to the timing of the general meeting in due course.

“Shareholders are advised to take no action at this time.

“Further announcements will be made as appropriate.”