Independent Edinburgh-based culture magazine The Skinny to close after 20 years
The Skinny, who had not “expected things to end this way”, thanked those who have supported them over the last two decades
Independent Edinburgh-based culture magazine The Skinny has announced its sudden closure after its publisher ceased operations.
The publication, which covers Edinburgh and Glasgow, confirmed its 248th edition this September will be its last following the collapse of Radge Media CIC.
The editorial team cited sector-wide funding pressures and rising costs for creating an “increasingly challenging situation”, adding they had not "expected things to end this way".
They said: “If you have ever picked up a copy in a bar or read it on the bus, pored over our reviews, found a new favourite night out in the listings, shared our work online or fired up our newsletter, we really do appreciate it.”
The magazine began in Edinburgh and Glasgow to list upcoming events and featured interviews with the likes of Mogwai, Muse and the Wu-Tang Clan.
Since then it has grown to its magazine, has covered all things culture and helped to champion the city’s independent and grassroots artists and venues.
It was forced to stop publishing during the COVID-19 but quickly bounced back after readers donated thousands to a successful crowdfunding campaign.
However, it was unable to weather the storm of the current cost-of-living crisis, with the team saying they are “devastated that our work has come to such a sudden end”.
The team added: “The Skinny is a key asset to Scottish cultural life, but it was produced by a small team with all the challenges that entails.
“We did the best we could with the resources at our disposal, and we can only apologise to our readers, colleagues and advertisers for making such a sudden exit, but we have been unable to find a way to continue the work at this time.
“This may be the end for The Skinny, but it’s not the end of what we believe in: the power of independent journalism, the value of art and creativity, and the importance of print media.”
The final September issue of The Skinny can be picked up at 133 locations across the city.