On October 8, 1984, ‘Scotland Today’ was revamped into a feature-driven magazine format, hosted by Sheena McDonald and Haig Gordon. Eschewing traditional desks for a more relaxed sofa setting, the programme focused on a variety of segments, while the core regional news was delivered in brief updates before and after the main show, with co-presenters broadcasting from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Responding to criticisms, ‘Scotland Today’ refreshed its opening sequence, visuals, and overall presentation.

Newsbrief Summaries

A selection of Newsbrief clips.

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?

In March 1989, ‘Scotland Today’ introduced a new look. Viv Lumsden came on board, joining forces with Angus Simpson, Shereen Nanjiani, and Geoff Brown on the presenting team.

During the Autumn of 1990, ‘Scotland Today’ underwent another visual refresh.

Examples of studio camera angles and content graphics.

As part of the new franchise and new look ident, Scotland Today was given a brand new look to match from January 1993.

Examples of studio camera angles and content graphics

In October 1996, coinciding with a fresh image revamp from Scottish Television, ‘Scotland Today’ also debuted a new look.

Examples of studio camera angles and content graphics.

The theme music used during this period was called “Newsline”. It was by Giles Lamb, Kahl Henderson, Michael Mackinnon and Leslie Rice.

Examples of studio camera angles and content graphics.

On January 6, 2003, ‘Scotland Today’ rolled out a brand-new visual style. This was followed by an update to the graphics on May 11, 2005.

Examples of studio presentation and programme graphics.

On January 5, 2006, ‘Scotland Today’ received an overhaul that reintroduced the use of a desk, alongside updated graphics and titles.

No recordings at present from this period. Can you help?

On July 24, 2006, ‘Scotland Today’ underwent a significant revamp as a part of a comprehensive reorganisation of STV’s news operations. John MacKay took over as the programme’s sole presenter. Additionally, starting from January 8, 2007, five-minute segments specifically tailored for Edinburgh and Glasgow were introduced. In August of that year, Sean Batty joined the team as a dedicated weather presenter, marking the first time in over a decade that the station had employed a full-time weather presenter.

On March 23, ‘Scotland Today’ was rebranded to ‘STV News’ aligning with the updated branding of STV.

Examples of studio camera angles and content graphics.

On May 23, 2011, ‘STV News’ in the central belt underwent a significant restructuring. The 6pm broadcast and the late evening bulletin were divided into separate segments.

STV News – Glasgow Studio

John MacKay continued his role as presenter from the Glasgow studio, catering specifically for audiences in the West.

STV News – Edinburgh Studio

‘STV News’ launched a new programme tailored for the East from its Edinburgh studio. Juliet Dunlop served as the main presenter for this Edinburgh-focused broadcast until her departure in the summer of 2013. Rachel McTavish and Gordon Chree stepped in as her successors shortly thereafter.

No recordings in our archive. Can you help?

On June 2, 2014, ‘STV News’ unveiled an updated visual style in sync with the comprehensive rebranding of all STV services. The opening titles were designed to include both Summer and Winter versions.

Pan Regional

All lunchtime bulletins provide coverage for both Edinburgh and Glasgow, while the weekend bulletins extend their reach to cover all regions across Scotland.

STV News – Glasgow Studio

Examples of studio presentation and content graphics.

STV News – Edinburgh Studio

As part of the relaunch, Laura Miller took on the role of main presenter for the Edinburgh bulletin.

Examples of studio presentation and graphics.

Scotland Tonight

‘Scotland Tonight’ premiered on October 24, 2011.

On April 24, 2017, ‘Scotland Tonight’ underwent a refresh, introducing a new design featuring a purple colour scheme.

Examples of studio presentation and content graphics.

On September 10, 2018, ‘STV News’ in Scotland’s central belt underwent a significant revamp. The previously separate broadcasts were combined, yet they continued to air live from both the Edinburgh and Glasgow studios. Kelly-Ann Woodland and John MacKay were introduced as co-presenters, sharing the screen to seamlessly guide viewers through the main stories of the day. While the core of the news was delivered jointly, sports coverage remained distinct between the two locations, with Paul Barnes presenting from Edinburgh and Raman Bhardwaj in Glasgow.

Bobby Hain, STV’s Managing Director of Broadcast, stated: “We wanted to set a new standard for Scottish news and I’m confident our reinvigorated STV News at Six will do that. The dual presentation format will deliver the combined strength of our presenters and whole team of news journalists to bring a fresh, authoritative but friendly approach to our flagship news programme. STV News at Six will now include more original journalism, live commentary, interaction with viewers and of course, we’ll have complementary content on our social and online platforms.”

In line with STV’s commitment to being ‘Scotland’s home of news and entertainment’, Laura Boyd has taken up the role of STV News Entertainment Reporter. She will be providing special entertainment segments across various platforms, in addition to spotlighting stories from Scotland’s eclectic cultural, music, and arts landscape during the STV News at Six.

The innovative structure of the new STV News at Six was conceptualised by Senior Director John Mason.

STV News was given a refresh on 7th March 2022.

Clips to follow.