The BBC today announced plans to close the linear BBC Scotland channel and move it to become an exclusively digital-first service on BBC iPlayer from Spring 2027.
The decision follows a BBC-wide review of its linear services and reflects the continuing shift in audience consumption from traditional broadcast television to digital platforms. It will ensure BBC Scotland’s wide range of programming across drama, factual, comedy, entertainment and sport remains available to audiences in Scotland and beyond, while also contributing to BBC Scotland’s savings targets.
This decision will require the closure of approximately 10 posts, in addition to the 60 role closures already announced by BBC Scotland earlier this year. A consultation period has begun with impacted teams and unions.
The BBC also confirmed that Reporting Scotland: News at Seven will not move to BBC iPlayer and will cease when the linear channel closes. Audiences will continue to be served by BBC Scotland’s wider news offering across television, audio and digital platforms, including Reporting Scotland; The Sunday Show; Radio Scotland Breakfast; Scotcast and Debate Night.
The BBC Scotland channel brand will continue to be available on BBC iPlayer, where audiences are increasingly choosing to watch content on demand. Audience requests to view BBC Scotland content on iPlayer keep growing, reaching record levels in 25/26. Signed in accounts for BBC Scotland content on BBC iPlayer have grown by 70% over the last 4 years and currently over 1m accounts access BBC Scotland content every week.
As part of the changes, BBC Two in Scotland will be reconfigured to enable the BBC to deliver Scotland-only programming. This will be alongside BBC One Scotland, where Scottish programming already forms an important part of the schedule including Scotland’s Home of the Year; our award-winning investigative series Disclosure; Murder Case; Inside Barlinnie; Scottish Cup Final and Hogmanay.
BBC Two in Scotland will become the new home for the broadcaster’s SPFL Championship on Friday evenings.
Today’s announcement forms part of a broader package of changes across the BBC’s linear portfolio. Full details of the announcement are available here. These changes are part of the BBC’s long-term strategy to focus investment on digital services while maintaining universal access to high-quality public service content.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Hayley Valentine, BBC Scotland Director, said: “Against the backdrop of significant financial challenges, we must focus our resources where they will have the greatest impact for audiences. The way audiences watch television continues to change at pace and our data tells us that more people are choosing to watch BBC Scotland content on BBC iPlayer now.
“By continuing the channel on BBC iPlayer, we can ensure Scottish content thrives in a digital environment, while BBC Two in Scotland, alongside BBC One Scotland, will maintain a strong and distinctive Scottish presence on linear television.
“It is always sad to see programmes come to an end and I am extremely proud of the News at Seven team and everything they have delivered since launching. Our teams are highly skilled, and we will continue to evolve our news and current affairs offer to reflect the changing way people consume journalism today.”
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland added: “Scotland’s audiences value content that reflects the nation, its communities and its culture. Alongside an increased presence on BBC network with titles such as Counsels, Banjo & Ro’s Grand Island Hotel and Two Doors Down, audiences will continue to be able to access BBC Scotland’s programmes on BBC iPlayer and across BBC One Scotland and BBC Two in Scotland.”
The BBC expects the move of the BBC Scotland channel from a linear service to BBC iPlayer to take place in Spring 2027. -bbc.com
