The BBC is facing further pressure following its controversial decision to axe the long-running Scottish soap River City.

Last week, the BBC announced that the show, which is set in the fictional district of Shieldinch in Glasgow, had been cancelled after 23 years on the small screen.

Following the news, BBC Scotland faced backlash, with performing arts union Equity setting up a petition to ‘Save River City’.

Members of the Scottish Parliament have now pledged their support for the campaign and, at the time of writing, the petition has surpassed 10,000 signatures.

Among those MSPs to pledge their support are Scotland’s Culture Secretary Angus Robertson, who has backed the petition, as well as Jackie Baillie, Neil Bibby and Pam Duncan-Glancy.

Craig McClean

Joining Equity General Secretary Paul W Fleming on the set of the soap yesterday, the MSPs met with the cast and signed placards which read, ‘I back the Save River City campaign’.

Posting on X/Twitter yesterday, Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton where River City is filmed, said: “River City is an iconic show that platforms Scottish actors while supporting Scotland’s film and TV industry. The BBC must change its mind and we will strain every sinew to save the show and support Scottish talent.”

After visiting the set, Fleming said: “It was important to be on-set with our River City members this week and hear direct about the impact that losing this show would have on training, acting and creative opportunities in Scotland.”

Craig McClean

On Monday (March 24), Robertson attended an Equity meeting where he voiced concerns over the axing decision, later posting a message to X.

“I share the concerns of many in the screen sector about recent TV commissioning for Scotland, including ending of River City. Thanks for opportunity to speak at national @EquityUK meeting in Glasgow and will be working closely to ensure no detriment to sector in Scotland,” he wrote.