Television in Scotland has been a powerful force in shaping national identity, delivering local stories, and nurturing homegrown talent. Since the first broadcasts in the 1950s, Television has grown into a diverse and vibrant industry.
The BBC began serving Scottish audiences with BBC One Scotland in 1952, followed by BBC Two Scotland and the more recent BBC Scotland channel, launched in 2019 to focus on Scottish content. BBC Alba, broadcasting in Gaelic since 2008, supports Scotland’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
Commercial Television followed with Scottish Television (STV), which launched in 1957 to cover the Central Belt. In the north, Grampian Television began in 1961, serving the Highlands and northeast with a strong regional identity. In 2006, Grampian was rebranded as STV North, later joining Scottish Television under the unified STV brand while maintaining regional news and programming.
The ITV Border region also covers southern Scotland, with tailored news for Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders.
Scotland’s television output includes iconic programmes such as Taggart, Still Game, and Outlander. Broadcasters like STV Studios and BBC Scotland help bring Scottish voices to global screens. The industry thrives in a digital age, from drama to documentary, from Gaelic to comedy.
Broadcasters
STV – Scottish Television – Scotland’s Digital Media Company.
Television News
BBC Scotland Television Programes
Debate Night – Topical debate on the big issues affecting Scotland and beyond.
Landward – Scotland’s farming and countryside programme focusing on the issues affecting the community.
The Nine – National and international news, plus sport and weather.
River City – Drama series set in a close-knit Glasgow community.
Scot Squad – Spoof comedy following the first Unified Scottish Police Force.
The Sunday Show – Big interviews, discussion and analysis on the stories that matter to Scotland.
Two Doors Down – Comedy centred around a couple and their insufferable neighbours.