By Bill Heaney
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie has expressed her dismay at the announcement from BBC Scotland that it is discontinuing its River City series and closing its Dumbarton operation at Lomondgate.
Jackie Baillie MSP said: “I am very disappointed to hear that the BBC will axe the flagship Scottish soap River City, after 20 years on our screens.
“River City has proved a popular show which has given us some memorable and iconic characters, as well as attracting some of the biggest names in the business in Scotland to Dumbarton.”
River City star, the late Johnnie Beattie
“It has helped to put the area on the map in terms of screen prospects and opened up new possibilities in the industry.
“I am even more disappointed to discover that the broadcaster will be pulling out of Dumbarton after two decades at Lomondgate and will not renew its lease on the site.
“My concern is for the actors, crew, production team and all the local support staff whose employment will now be at risk.
“The BBC as a public broadcaster must fully explain the rationale for this decision and reconsider this short-sighted approach as a matter of urgency.”
For more in this: See Bill Heaney’s Notebook in this issue on today’s Democrat.
Left Stephen Purdon who plays Bob in River City. Top of page: Lord McFall and Jackie Baillie meet Sally Howitt, who plays Scarlet, on a visit to River City