Stars of stage and screen from across the UK have come together to demand the BBC rethinks its decision to axe River City.
Actors from some of the biggest soaps in the country have warned cancelling the show could have a dire impact on Scotland’s TV industry.
Showbiz legends such as Richard E Grant and David Morrissey are among those who believe axing the show could have a detrimental impact on the country’s creative sector.
Their intervention is welcome and their warnings must be taken seriously.
Critics of River City point to declining ratings but all programmes on the traditional big channels are losing viewers to the online streaming giants.
The unique way the BBC is funded shields it from some of the commercial pressures faced by other channels.
River City is more than just a show beloved by its many fans, it’s part of the foundation Scotland’s TV industry is built on.
Aside from giving opportunities to actors, it offers jobs to a new generation of producers, scriptwriters, technicians and other behind-the-scenes roles.
The letter to Culture Secretary Angus Robertson will draw renewed attention to an issue bigger than one programme.
Scotland’s screen industry needs careful nurturing and sustained investment to thrive.
The ending of a dependable weekly programme could spell disaster for many jobs. It’s not too late for BBC Scotland to reverse its decision.
River City could provide enjoyment – and jobs – for years to come.
Cool heads vital
Vladimir Putin has clearly been encouraged by the support handed to him by Donald Trump.
The US president claimed he would end the war in Ukraine “in 24 hours” – but by taking Putin’s side he has only served to intensify the conflict.
Since being returned to office, Trump has harangued and abused Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
He has sidelined the Ukrainians from so-called peace talks and made it clear he is a fan of strongman Putin.
Now we learn that the Russian dictator is recruiting 160,000 new conscripts to wage an expanded assasult on Ukrainian men, women and children.
This renewed onslaught is a result of Trump’s backing for the war’s aggressor.
Lives will be lost and the threat to world peace will be greater than ever thanks to the lunatic in the White House.
As he wages economic war on the world with trade-blocking tariffs, he also risks driving Europe into conflict with his knuckle-headed diplomacy.
Now, more than ever, it is vital wiser heads prevail and European leaders find a lasting path to peace in Ukraine.