By Bill Heaney
MSP Jackie Baillie has congratulated cast and crew at River City on the Scottish soap’s 20th anniversary.
A special episode aired on Tuesday to mark the milestone and the Dumbarton constituency MSP lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament in recognition of the achievement.
The soap is filmed at Lomondgate studios in Dumbarton and, since then, over 1200 episodes have been broadcast by BBC Scotland.
The studios at the former J&B whisky bottling plant have provided a catalyst for development of the area including contributing at least £300 million to the local economy.
Renton woman Gayle Telfer-Stevens stars as one of the main characters, Caitlin McLean who has appeared in the soap since 2016.
Jackie Baillie recently paid a visit to Shieldinch and was delighted to mark the special anniversary.
She said: “It is absolutely fantastic that River City has been going for 20 years and has given so much to the economy and the community.
“Lomondgate is an area which has been regenerated and developed over the last two decades and the BBC studios have helped to bring about that change.
“I was delighted to visit Shieldinch recently to discuss the soap, it’s strong characters and it’s ongoing, gripping story-lines.
“A big well done to cast and crew for sustaining 20 years of brilliant broadcasting. I wish them many more years of success.”
Local people on a tour of the River City studios in Dumbarton.
Never watched a single episode. Talk about cringe. The BBC? Give me a break. Everyone knows that’s a psyops. Pathetic.