Scotland Today 1986 – 1989

In July 1986, Gus McDonald announced significant reforms to Scottish Television following intense criticism from the IBA, particularly concerning its news and current affairs output. David Scott was appointed as the new Head of News as part of a sweeping overhaul that saw several high-profile presenters and shows being discontinued, and a complete revamp of ‘Scotland Today’.

On October 20, 1986, the revamped ‘Scotland Today’ made its onscreen debut with a more serious and stripped-back aesthetic – not even a decorative plant was to be seen.

Haig Gordon departed the show and was succeeded by Malcolm Wilson. However, within a year, both Wilson and Sheena McDonald had left the programme. Angus Simpson and Shereen Nanjiani took over as the primary news anchors, with Geoff Brown joining the team soon after.

We’ve no recordings at present from this period. Can you help?