A popular Scottish soap has been praised for its work in tackling a range of important issues in a tribute by West Dunbartonshire Council.
River City, which is filmed in Dumbarton, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and has covered a range of storylines from addiction and bereavement to Covid-19 and mental health.
A motion was brought before the full council recently by Labour councillor Lawrence O’Neill who asked the council to formally convey its thanks and best wishes to the cast while welcoming the benefits that the show brings to the area.
Councillor O’Neill said: “River City is based in Dumbarton in an 18,000 square foot studio. They have run 1272 episodes with more scheduled to air.
“No doubt there will be people in here who are one of the 400,000 who watch each and every episode.
“The important thing to note is that hundreds of contributors take part in this from the costume and make-up department, production, management, sound, special effects, the art department as well as hundreds of extras.
“They provide services and use supplies from the local area and most importantly the topics they have covered are things that we discuss as a council.
“This includes things like addiction, adoption and fostering, bereavement, bullying, cancer, Covid-19, dementia, domestic abuse, emotional distress and suicide, debt, homelessness, LGBT, mental health, missing persons, pregnancy related issues, sexual abuse and crime.
“They do signpost those particular topics and are proud to do so. I would like to congratulate the staff who have worked on the show.”
Councillors unanimously agreed that the cast and creators should be congratulated on their success.
Leader of the opposition, councillor Karen Conaghan said: “It is absolutely brilliant to recognise this and I think the list of the issues covered in the show brings home this focal production. So many people enjoy it.”
