16 January 2012 Last updated at 07:45 ET

Revamped Big Issue hits streets

The Big Issue has changed its layout and beefed up editorial content

Street newspaper The Big Issue has undergone a major design and editorial revamp.

It follows a move last year to merge its Scottish, Welsh and English editions.

The Big Issue, which sells around 18,000 copies a week in Scotland, was founded in 1991 to provide homeless people with an income.

Editor Paul McNamee said the revamped paper would feature an improved lay-out and beefed-up editorial content.

He added the changes were an obvious follow-up to last year's rationalisation of Big Issue editions in Wales, Scotland and England.

Mr McNamee said: "Aside from the great columnists who are coming through like (Queen's Park Rangers footballer) Joey Barton, and a great new look which reflects a more considered, mature approach, The Big Issue will feature great writing, wit and brevity."

Alternative to begging

The Big Issue is designed and sub-edited in London but most of its editorial content is generated in Glasgow.

Two years after its launch, the title went weekly and regional editions soon followed.

The publication currently works with around 2,800 homeless and vulnerably housed people across the UK, and circulates more than 125,000 copies of the magazine every week.

Vendors buy the magazine for half of its cover price.

Organisers say the profit releases them from depending on hand-outs and provides an alternative to begging.