The long-running Scottish soap, produced by BBC Scotland, first aired in 2002 and became a staple of local television, set in the fictional Shieldinch district of Glasgow. It built a loyal audience over the years and was especially known for showcasing Scottish actors and stories.

The decision to end the show is part of broader changes at the BBC, with a shift in funding and a move toward new programming. While it’s disappointing for fans, the BBC has indicated it plans to invest in other Scottish productions going forward.

For many viewers, River City was more than just a soap — it was a cultural fixture, so its ending definitely marks the close of an era in Scottish productions.

This was a great grounding for those who wanted to learn television production and steady work for those who were already established.

I was down at the Dumbarton studios during 2017 where I got to interview my ex colleague from Flashback Video, Mark Mckillop who was one of the cameramen working that day. I brought along an old friend the orange JVC KY1900 camera that both Mark and I used many years ago.

Also working that day on camera was Ramond Houston a BBC cameraman I have also known over the years.

Mark and Raymond filming a sequence with two Sony PMW-500s.

During 2020 I interviewed Ron Seeth one of the Directors of Photography on River City. Ron a cameraman for STV used to freelance for Flashback Video which is where we first met.

I have sliced the two interviews of Ron and Mark both referring to River City using some drone shots from my friend Iain Douglas.