Bathgate joins Barrington Stoke as editorial director

Accessible children's publisher Barrington Stoke has appointed Ailsa Bathgate as editorial director.

Bathgate will join Barrington Stoke in January 2018, replacing Emma Hargrave who is leaving to join Scottish indie Black and White Publishing as editorial manager at the start of December.

Bathgate previously worked at Edinburgh-based independent, Mainstream, as editorial director at Mainstream Publishing for 13 years​​ before it wound down operations in 2013. She has also been a freelance editor and proof-reader and worked at HarperCollins and Waterstones in the early stages of her career.

Bathgate will be supported by a junior editor, a role which is currently being recruited.

In April it emerged that Barrington Stoke’s m.d Mairi Kidd had been made redundant after six years with the company and would not be replaced, instead other staff members would have “bigger roles”. The publisher’s publicist, Nina Douglas, left two months later to pursue freelance opportunities, continuing to work with Barrington Stoke on an occasional basis.

Lucy Juckes, chair of Barrington Stoke, said: "While we are sad to see Emma go and wish her all the best in her exciting new role, we are delighted that someone of Ailsa’s calibre has joined Barrington Stoke. Her experience, flair and enthusiasm will ensure that we continue to publish brilliant accessible stories for all readers."

Bathgate said: "I’m delighted to be joining Barrington Stoke, with their ambition to help all children enrich their lives through reading. It’s an amazing opportunity to work with the best of children’s authors, using the experience I’ve gained over the last 20 years in the industry, to produce books that break down the barriers to reading."