John MacKay to step down as STV presenter after more than 30 years

STV icon John MacKay is to step down as news presenter after more than 30 years with the station.

The veteran journalist will leave STV in March 2026 after more than three decades on the screen.

An accomplished author with six published books and a successful film adaptation, John will leave news to continue with his writing and other creative ventures.

These include a sequel to his critically acclaimed film The Road Dance, the potential development of a TV series adapted from another of his novels and a new book deal.

John joined STV in 1994 as a reporter on the evening news programme, then called Scotland Today, and was promoted to co-anchor alongside Shereen Nanjiani in 1998.

Insight

It’s been a privilege to bring news into people’s lives for 30 years

John MacKay

He has presented the evening news programme consistently over the years, including Scotland’s best-watched news programme STV News at Six – with his trademark “I’m John MacKay” – a familiar phrase in hundreds of thousands of homes in Scotland.

John has also presented STV’s current affairs show Scotland Tonight since its launch in 2011, sharing hosting duties with Rona Dougall.

He has been at the heart of STV’s news and current affairs coverage through landmark moments in Scottish history and the nation’s changing political landscape over the years, from the creation of the Scottish Parliament to the Independence Referendum, the global pandemic and the death of the Queen.

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John MacKay celebrates 30 years at STV News

He has carried out accomplished interviews from Donald Trump to Sir Billy Connolly, as well as political interviews with Prime Ministers and all of Scotland’s First Ministers. Other memorable interviews have ranged from Dolly Parton to Sir Kenny Dalglish, Will Ferrell (another Anchorman) to David Tennant and James McAvoy.

The date of John’s final STV News at Six will be confirmed nearer the time.

John MacKay said: “It has been a privilege to bring Scotland’s most popular news programme into so many homes for so long.

“Scotland has changed dramatically over the last three decades and I am proud to have been part of the STV News teams reporting on that transformation.

“Writing has always been an enjoyable diversion for me and I feel the time is now right to develop that further. Following the success of my film The Road Dance, I have written a script for a sequel and we are hopeful of that going into production next year.

“In addition, there is the possibility of a TV adaptation of another of my novels and I am researching a new book. These projects will require my full commitment.

“I know I leave STV News in the capable hands of my colleagues to deliver the news programme our viewers value so much.”

John MacKay presents STV News at 6 in 2011 STV News

Bobby Hain, STV’s MD of Audience (News, Audio and Regulatory) said: “John is one of Scotland’s best-loved and well-known presenters and we’re incredibly proud that he’s been part of our channel for over 30 years. He is an exceptional presenter and journalist, with an outstanding professionalism and commitment to delivering high-quality news for viewers throughout his career.

“I know that I speak on behalf of everyone at STV when I say that he will be very much missed when he leaves us next year. I’d like to thank him for his commitment to STV over the past 31 years and wish him all the best with his next chapter.”