Beloved news presenter quits TV channel after more than 30 years on air

Legendary Scottish TV presenter John MacKay has announced he is leaving STV after more than 30 years with the channel. The veteran broadcaster - who is known as 'Scotland's Anchorman' - will leave the company for good in March 2026 in order to pursue his writing career. The 59-year-old broadcaster joined STV back in 1994 as a reporter on the evening news programme and quickly rose through the ranks.

In 1998, he was promoted to co-anchor, where he became one of the most respected presenters on the airwaves. MacKay's departure comes as STV looks to cut 60 jobs and scrap its dedicated programme in the north of Scotland. It is understood that approximately half of the total redundancies will be met voluntarily.

Mr MacKay announced his difficult decision online, where he revealed his plans to focus on his writing career following the success of his novel The Road Dance, which was later adapted into a film. He said a sequel is set for production next year.

He wrote: "It has been a privilege to bring Scotland's most popular news programme into so many homes for so long. Scotland has changed dramatically over the last three decades, and I am proud to have been part of the STV News team reporting on that transformation.

"Writing has always been an enjoyable diversion for me, and I feel the time is right now to develop that further. Following the success of my film, The Road Dance, I have written a script for a sequel, and we are hopeful that it will go into production next year.

"In addition, there is the possibility of a TV adaptation of another of my novels, and I am researching a new book. These projects will require my full commitment. I know I leave STV News in the capable hands of my colleagues to deliver the news programme our viewers value so much."

The broadcaster has been a mainstay on the nation's evening shows for years, and currently hosts STV News At Six alongside Kelly-Ann Woodland - the most watched news programme in Scotland. He also hosts the current affairs programme Scotland Tonight alongside Rona Dougall.

Sharing his sad news of his departure, Bobby Hain, STV's managing director of audience, wrote: "John is one of Scotland's best-loved and well-known presenters and we're incredibly proud that he's been part of our channel for over 30 years.

"He is an exceptional presenter and journalist, with an outstanding professionalism and commitment to delivering high-quality news for viewers throughout his career. I know that I speak on behalf of everyone at STV when I say that he will be very much missed when he leaves us next year.

"I'd like to thank him for his commitment to STV over the past 31 years and wish him all the best with his next chapter." STV announced in September that it is looking to save £2.5 million by 2026, following a £200,000 loss in the first half of the year.

The company previously said the decision to make the major cuts was made with the "aim to protect our news service". Earlier this week, Nick McGowan-Lowe, an official of the National Union of Journalists, told the Scottish Affairs Committee that he was informed by a senior member of staff at STV News that the cuts were viewed as the "nuclear option."

The company's chief executive, Rufus Radcliffe, rejected that claim, saying to the Westminster committee: "This is not the nuclear option - this is about protecting regional news and coming up with a news proposition for all viewers, whether they choose to watch in broadcast or in digital."