BBC Scotland channel axed amid service cuts

The BBC’s dedicated linear Scotland channel will be axed, along with the loss of several jobs.

The channel launched February 2019, replacing the BBC Two Scotland opt-out. It will move to BBC iPlayer next year.

A number of roles will be cut from BBC Scotland News. BBC News will cut just over 100 roles, with a total value of around £5.5 million.

The news comes as the BBC seeks to make £500 million in savings.

Earlier this month, the corporation announced a host of cuts across its radio output.

Radio 4’s long-running consumer and social affairs show You And Yours will come to an end and the production team behind it is developing a “refreshed” consumer programme.

Social sciences show Thinking Allowed will also be cut, along with arts and ideas programme Free Thinking and The Artificial Human, which investigates the uses of AI.

Open Country will also come to an end, while BBC 5 Live will see a reduction in commissioning spend on schedule and sports podcasts from 2027/28.

The BBC also announced it will reduce the number of podcasts on BBC Sounds “to make space for new formats”.

The BBC announced plans in June for savings across the news, nations and content divisions, which are set to deliver £160 million of £500 million in savings needed by 2028/29.

Around 2,000 jobs are expected to be cut as part of the process.

The broadcaster most recently announced 41 job losses at BBC Sport.

The BBC’s latest annual report detailed how the corporation’s financial outlook “deteriorated” in the second half of 2025.