Edinburgh protest sees actors gather at Holyrood to save 'beloved' TV soap
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A protest in Edinburgh on Wednesday saw the cast of River City gather at Holyrood in a bid to save their show.
Actors were at the Scottish Parliament pushing against the decision to shut down the drama, which has been running for more than 20 years.
The cast were met with some agreement from MSPS, with one saying the cancellation of the show risks creating a 'cultural vacuum', reports the Daily Record.
Stephen Purdon - who plays Shellsuit Bob in the series - said: "We are attending the Scottish Parliament because we care deeply about the production and all the people who work on it. Training, pathways, and opportunities will be lost for many people.
"Seventy-two trainees have come through River City in the last two and a half years. How will that be replaced?
"And most of all, for our audience, people who love the show, what about them? That's why we must be there, to ask BBC Scotland to reverse this decision before it's too late."
The iconic Glasgow-based drama - which is filmed in Dumbarton - has entertained audiences since 2002. But BBC Scotland announced last month that Scotland's only domestic soap will end in September 2026.
The cast attended a debate in the Scottish Parliament on a Labour motion calling for the programme to be saved. SNP, Labour, Tory and Green MSPs all joined forces in calling for the BBC to reverse its decision.
The SNP's Elena Whitham said: "Cancelling this show risks creating a cultural vacuum, and an economic one too.
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"We talk about levelling up, about decentralising opportunity, but how can we do that if we're cutting off the very platforms that nurture regional talent... This also smacks of snobbery and classism, and we must call that out."
Scottish Labour Deputy Leader - who represents Dumbarton where the soap is filmed - Jackie Baillie said: "River City has put Dumbarton on the map for TV and film talent while creating jobs and opportunities in everything from catering to directing.
"The announcement of its closure has sent shockwaves through my constituency -- I urge the BBC to save River City, and commit to its Dumbarton studio site so that more shows can be Made in Scotland not less."
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: "There is clearly an abundance of passion and support for River City and the opportunities that this kind of production brings to our creative sector.
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"I've been clear to the BBC that they must protect and increase its investment in Scotland, and enhance the network of professionals who contribute to its productions like River City. I expect the BBC to fully and fairly represent all communities in Scotland, and I'll continue to advocate on behalf of License Fee payers to ensure that the Scottish industry and audiences are properly represented."
When it was announced that the soap was ending BBC Scotland bosses said that "viewing habits have changed" and they will be investing in the "next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland". Reflecting a significant change in audience behaviour away from long-running series and towards shorter runs, the BBC will make a considerable boost in major drama productions set across Scotland.
This means moving the River City investment and starting with three new series - Counsels, Grams and The Young Team.
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