BBC Scotland’s head of news is to leave the role after almost a decade.
Gary Smith, who has been head of news and current affairs at BBC Scotland since January 2016, is to leave the position in the summer.
In a statement announcing his departure, the BBC said Smith had been with the corporation for four decades – except four years at Channel 4 from 1989 – and that the search for his replacement would begin “immediately”.
Smith said: "It’s been a privilege to have a front row seat as history was made over the past four decades in Scotland, the UK and the world.
“I’ve worked with some brilliant colleagues, been involved in the biggest stories, and had a lot of fun along the way.
“Now the time’s right for a change, to revisit my first love of writing, to give something back to journalism by helping the next generation of reporters, and to have the space to spend more time with my wonderful family.”
BBC Scotland director Hayley Valentine said: “Gary has steered the newsroom through some huge stories – the EU referendum, several elections, the trial of Alex Salmond, Covid, and the death of her late majesty the Queen at Balmoral.
"His relationship with network news, and the high regard in which he is held there, have made our newsroom all the stronger.
“At BBC Scotland, he has transformed our digital news offer, overseen the growth of our award-winning investigations department, and most recently launched a suite of new content focussed on reaching diverse audiences in different ways.
"Personally, I will miss Gary terribly – he has not only been a brilliant colleague, but a supportive friend. Crucially, his judgement is second to none and his advice is always worth listening to.”
Born and brought up in Glasgow, Smith started with the BBC as a news trainee in 1984 before becoming a sub editor with BBC News the following year.
He worked as a senior political producer, foreign producer and programme editor covering stories such as the departure from Number 10 of Margaret Thatcher, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the civil war in Kashmir at Channel 4 from 1989.
Returning to the BBC in 1992, he worked as assistant editor on the-then Nine O'Clock News as well as editor of political news and UK news editor.
