Former STV anchor John MacKay is to return to the BBC, where he started his career as a trainee.<\/p>\n
MacKay, one of the most familiar faces on Scottish TV over the past three decades, left the rival channel in March.<\/p>\n
He is now set to return to the airwaves as a presenter on BBC Scotland's Scotcast, the current affairs programme published on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer and broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC One Scotland and the BBC Scotland channel.<\/p>\n
The presenter, who was the main anchor of STV\u2019s news coverage in central Scotland, will take the helm later this month while regular presenter Martin Geissler is away.<\/p>\n
MacKay, who will begin presenting the podcast from Monday, August 24, will work with the Scotcast production team at BBC Scotland's Pacific Quay headquarters in Glasgow.<\/p>\n
BBC Scotland is based at Pacific Quay in Glasgow. (Image: BBC)<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI\u2019m really looking forward to working with the Scotcast team. The podcast has set the standards in Scotland, and I relish the challenge of maintaining them in my time filling in. I\u2019m already feeling the buzz of returning to the studio.\u201d<\/p>\n
MacKay began his broadcasting career with BBC Scotland and moved to STV in 1994, where he remained until this year.<\/p>\n
During his stint as guest presenter, the broadcaster will lead discussions on the stories shaping Scotland, joined by the podcast's regular team of journalists, commentators and guests, BBC Scotland said.<\/p>\n
Howard Simpson, Head of News and Current Affairs, Scotland, added: \u201cJohn is one of Scotland\u2019s most esteemed broadcasters. He brings decades of experience and has a warmth and gravitas that is hugely appreciated by the audience. It will be great to have John at the BBC and in the Scotcast chair this summer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scotcast is designed to provide listeners with analysis, debate and behind-the-headlines insight into the issues that matter most to people across Scotland.<\/p>\n