Scottish Labour MSPs Jackie Baillie, Neil Bibby and Pam Duncan-Glancy with some of the cast of River City.
By Democrat reporter
Dumbarton constituency MSP Jackie Baillie MSP and her Scottish Labour colleague Neil Bibby MSP have called on the BBC to reverse its decision to scrap Scotland’s flagship soap opera.
It was announced last week that River City will end in September next year.
But it has now emerged that the site’s landlord was keen to extend the BBC’s lease, despite the broadcaster leading staff to believe otherwise.
River City, which first hit our screens 22 years ago, is filmed at the BBC’s studio base in Dumbarton’s Lomondgate.
But the BBC revealed that it would not renew its lease at the site, which sounded the death knell for the only remaining Scottish soap opera.
Above right: MSPs Jackie Baillie and Neil Bibby on a recent visit to River City
It meant the end of the line for cast and crew based at Dumbarton.
A number of other productions have been filmed in part at the Dumbarton studios, including Vigil and Shetland.
But the broadcaster has been accused of a smoke and mirrors exercise after telling staff and actors that the landlord had other plans for the site.
However, Westerwood Properties, which leases the base to the BBC, has revealed that they had hoped to secure a continuing commitment to renew the lease and stay on site.
MSP Jackie Baillie, whose Dumbarton constituency includes the site at Lomondgate, said: “The BBC need to think again both in terms of River City and the other productions which go on at Dumbarton.
“The drama Vigil and scenes from crime series Shetland are amongst the shows which have been brought to Dumbarton because of the studio.
“The site is also used to train the next generation of crew from colleges and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, so not only does its loss end our flagship Scottish soap and reduce Scottish output but we also lose a key incubator of future Scottish talent.
“It appears that the BBC has no plans to replace the training opportunities for the industry which will be lost should the Dumbarton studio be allowed to close.
“I welcome the pledges of support from well-known Scottish actors and it is now time for the BBC to revisit this decision.”
Outlander star Sam Heughan, who has himself appeared in River City, is one of the famous faces who has expressed disappointment at the move.
Actors’ union Equity and broadcasting union BECTU have also opposed the closure.
Neil Bibby MSP, Scottish Labour’s Spokesperson for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, has voiced concerns over the move.
He added: “The closure of this studio has clear implications for the TV and film industry in Scotland, Scottish drama output and training.
“I echo calls for the BBC to revisit its decision and safeguard the future of River City, the Dumbarton studio and our TV and film industry in Scotland.”
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