Culture Secretary speaks of âregretâ over decision to end River City TV show
Angus Robertson has â??concernsâ?? over the impact the ending of the programme could have for training in the TV sector.
Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for exclusive competitions, offers and theatre ticket deals
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
Scotlandâs Culture Secretary has spoken of his âregretâ over the axing of BBC Scotlandâs River City soap opera.
The broadcaster confirmed earlier this week that the drama â which has been on air for more than 20 years â will have its final series in autumn 2026.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said he had âconcernsâ that the decision to end the show could result in a loss of training opportunities in the TV sector.
Meanwhile, First Minister John Swinney told journalists he was âsorry to see it goâ.
Mr Swinney said he had watched the show âa long time agoâ, adding that he did not really âhave much time for soap operas in life in general these daysâ.
His comments came as Mr Robertson told MSPs at Holyrood he too had tuned in to watch events in the fictional area of Shieldinch, where the show is set.
Mr Robertson said: âMy view in terms of the ending of River City is one of regret.
âLike many people I have watched it over the last 20 years.â
He added: âI do have concerns about the announcement that has been made in particular because of the training and opportunities that have been provided by River City over the decades.â
Mr Robertson said he had asked the BBC to âinteract fullyâ with trade unions on the issue of future training opportunities.
River City, filmed at Dumbarton Studios near Glasgow, has featured the likes of Sam Heughan, who went on to start in Outlander, and Lorraine McIntosh from Deacon Blue, while Lorraine Kelly and singer Susan Boyle are among those who made cameo appearances.
BBC Scotland said the decision to axe the show reflects a change in viewing patterns as audiences move away from long-running series and are drawn towards shows with shorter runs.