BBC Scotland welcomes Ofcom’s decision to approve provisionally the new BBC Scotland channel

Steve Carson, multi-platform commissioning head at BBC Scotland, said today’s announcement by the regulator is another positive step which will enable the broadcaster to step up its plans.

He says: “This is very welcome news as we continue to develop our proposals. Careful planning has been under way over the past year and we can now build on that following today’s announcement.

”We’re planning a channel for modern Scotland, a home for compelling, quality content that appeals to and reflects the diversity of Scottish audiences. It will enable viewers in Scotland to see more of their lives, stories and interests on screen as well as offering the chance to watch great content from elsewhere.“

It was recently confirmed that the channel, which constitutes the largest single investment by the BBC in content in Scotland in a generation, will be available in full HD.

Steve adds: ”A lot of exciting programme ideas have already been pitched to us from across the creative sector in Scotland. We’ve already ‘green lit’ some projects and are piloting others"

We are investing in new drama, comedy and factual programmes to bring fresh talent and a range of perspectives to Scotland’s screens.

News and current affairs will be at the heart of the schedules, with a one hour, integrated news programme broadcast each week-night at 9pm, featuring international, UK and national stories, told from a Scottish perspective. Recruitment is underway to fill the 80 new journalism posts that will be created.