Scotland's biggest publisher has announced 350 job losses.

DC Thomson called staff to a meeting on Wednesday to reveal the redundancies.

The newspaper and magazine producer, which is one of Dundee's biggest employers, is to axe printing staff.

STV understands that the company's West Ward site in Guthrie Street is set to close. The unit currently produces the firm’s famous Beano, Dandy and Judy annuals.

Also earmarked for closure is the gavure print section at the company's Kingsway base.

It is understood the company has made the decision following four years of losses in the magazine and book sector. The industry has been undergoing difficult times recently.

In a statement, a spokesman confirmed the job losses and the closures and said no decision had been taken on where printing of the affected titles will now take place.

The spokesman also stressed that the proposals will not affect its newspaper business which will continue to operate out of its Kingsway premises.

A spokesman for the company said, “These proposed changes are necessary to ensure a strong future for the business which is proud of its heritage, its association with Dundee and the fine journalism which we produce.

“These are difficult times for the publishing industry, but our publications are still amongst the most successful in their field. However, like others, we are not immune to the economic downturn or market conditions. We remain fully committed to our newspapers, magazines and comics business.

“For the last 25 years, DC Thomson unusually has continued to print its own books and magazines despite increasingly difficult market conditions.

“We will do everything we can to minimise the number of compulsory redundancies so we can achieve the change wherever possible through a voluntary arrangement,” said the spokesman.

“Our Glasgow printing operation, where 34 staff left through voluntary severance in March, is not affected by these announcements.”

The company, which does not recognise trade unions at its Dundee base, has now entered into a 90 day consultation process with staff.

Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "The First Minister has spoken with the chairman of DC Thomson and the Scottish Government stand ready to do all we can, working with local agencies, to retain as many jobs as possible and assist all those facing uncertain futures.

"Staff affected will be extremely skilled, with much to contribute to the Tayside economy.

"DC Thomson have assured us that they will do everything they can to avoid compulsory redundancies, which helps alleviate this difficult situation to some extent.

"The Scottish Government stands ready to co-ordinate local response teams under the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (Pace) initiative, in order to provide tailored help and support for employees."

Shadow Minister for Culture Ted Brocklebank MSP, who began his journalistic career with DC Thomson, described the news as a “very serious blow for Dundee and the publishing industry in Scotland”.

“As one who began his journalistic career with DC Thomson in Dundee it seems incredible that such a landmark company should actually be paying people off.  I do not remember redundancies on this scale in the many years that I have been following the fortunes of Dundee’s publishing industry.

“Our thoughts go out to the redundant workers and their families and I shall be pressing the government to ensure that all the necessary consultation procedures are being followed.”