Regional newspaper publisher Johnston Press has poured cold water on rumours that the group is to sell off The Scotsman. Sources tell both Times Online and Guardian.co.uk that a consortium of Scottish businessmen has held talks to buy the title, which Johnston bought from the Barclay brothers for £160 million in 2005. Johnston doesn’t deny that talks have take place but announced to the stock market this morning: “Whilst Company policy is not to comment on such speculation, Johnston Press can confirm that the board does not have any disposal process underway in this regard.”