BBC Scotland soap cancellation ‘devastating’ for writers

The cancellation of the BBC drama River City is “devastating news” for writers, the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain has said.

BBC Scotland has announced it will scrap the soap, which began in September 2022, with the final series airing in autumn next year. It was set in the fictional west Scotland neighbourhood of Shieldinch and filmed in Dumbarton.

WGGB chair Emma Reeves said the move was “devastating news for the writing community”, following soon after the announcements of cuts to Emmerdale and Coronation Street, and the axing of other BBC shows – Doctors last year and Holby City in 2022.

“While we welcome a commitment from BBC Scotland to invest in new drama production, these changes will result in a significant loss of writing hours,” said Reeves.

She added that the move is “another serious erosion of continuing drama” which she said “provides a unique talent pipeline into an industry that is currently facing crisis after crisis”.

“We are talking to the BBC as a matter of urgency and supporting our members.”

BBC Scotland director Hayley Valentine said the River City team “have done a brilliant job and I know they have some big plans for the finale next year”. 

“But as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland showcasing storytelling across the UK.”