The work of the BBC in Scotland

Status / emerging findings

• BBC Scotland spent £300 million on content in 2024-25 with increasing network investment; iPlayer Scotland content grew 250% since launch, and Sounds on-demand increased 17% year-on-year
• New drama strategy launched (including legal drama 'Counsels' and Gaelic drama 'An t-Eilean') funded through £50 million reallocation to nations and regions; BBC Studios relocating operations to Glasgow
• Apparent £27 million spending reduction in 2024-25 is accounting-driven (transmission timing), not a real cut; back-to-back filming of shows like 'Shetland' creates year-on-year fluctuations
• Dispute emerged over BBC's definition of 'Scottish' commissioning: BBC includes companies with Scottish bases but external ownership (Mentorn, BBC Studios); Screen Scotland appears to define it more narrowly
• BBC committed to exceeding Ofcom rules 'in spirit' rather than 'letter' on network productions delivering local economic benefits

Why it matters

Whether the BBC is genuinely embedding Scottish jobs and production talent in its content pipeline—or just counting remote spending—directly affects Scotland's creative economy and the visibility of distinctly Scottish stories on UK and global platforms.

Tone arc

Started collaborative in January (focus on strategy and commissioning), intensified scrutiny by late January around spend figures and definitions of 'Scottish' production, with follow-up correspondence in March 2026 probing specifics of Screen Scotland disagreement and The Traitors commissioning.

Key witnesses

Hayley Valentine (Director, BBC Scotland), Louise Thornton (Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland), Margaret Mary Murray (Head of Gaelic Services, BBC Scotland), Luke McCullough (Corporate Affairs Director for Nations, BBC), Rufus Radcliffe (CEO, STV North)