One of Scotland’s most experienced political insiders, Campbell Gunn, has joined leading independent communications consultancy 3x1 Group.

After serving as Senior Special Adviser to successive First Ministers Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon, Gunn has taken on the role of Strategic Adviser to the multi-award winning agency.

He will bring his experience of Scottish Government and over four decades as a journalist and political commentator to provide senior counsel on both public affairs and strategic communications to 3x1’s clients.

His deep working knowledge of the Scottish and UK governments and parliaments will help shape how 3x1’s clients prepare for Brexit and a possible second Scottish independence referendum.

Gunn is teaming up with 3x1 Director Lindsay McGarvie, head of public affairs at the 30-strong consultancy. The pair previously went head-to-head for political scoops on a weekly basis when McGarvie was political editor of the Sunday Mail and Gunn his counterpart at the Sunday Post.

Gunn said: “After an unforgettable and historic few years working at the heart of the  Scottish Government I’m excited to be joining 3x1 at a time when politics and the media are going through seismic changes.

“It has never been more important for business and other organisations to really understand what makes Scottish and UK politics tick. I look forward to bringing my experience to 3x1 to help devise campaigns and strategies that help navigate these tumultuous, yet exciting political times.”

McGarvie added: “Campbell is one of the most recognised and respected figures in Scottish political and media life. It is a real coup to have him on board at 3x1 as his experience and knowledge will be invaluable to our clients and consultants as we help them navigate these choppy political waters and ever changing journalistic landscape.”