The Aberdeen Independent has printed its last edition after 12 years.

But management at the Scottish weekly are still hopeful that a buyer can be found despite continued attempts over the past month proving unsuccessful.

The paper is owned by Northampton-based businessman Keith Barwell who told staff a month ago that the loss-making newspaper was for sale.

But managing director Eric Farquharson said a new buyer would not be inheriting debt and could therefore start the paper back up with a clean financial slate.

"Our credit is OK and we're not going into liquidation," he said.

"We have debt but not a great deal and have secured our advertising revenue for April and May.

"We will see what the future holds. There is still some possibility that the paper could rise from the ashes.

"The buyer is more likely to come from a local business and we have some interested parties but you cannot turn it round in just a couple of weeks."

The paper employs 30 full and part-time staff, including two reporters, one sub-editor and an editor.

Staff have been paid for all their work leading up to the final edition and some have already secured new jobs elsewhere.