BBC Scotland has announced it will be axing long-running drama series River City after more than 20 years on screen.
The drama, which has been an audience favourite since 2002 and filmed in Dumbarton, will air its final series in autumn 2026.
The BBC said it had reflected on a "significant change in audience behaviour" away from long-running series and towards shorter runs.
The broadcaster also announced it will make an investment in major drama productions set across Scotland, moving the River City funding, starting with three new series – Counsels, Grams, and The Young Team.
The sets for the show are based at the Dumbarton Studios, just outside Glasgow. The lease for the Dumbarton site comes to an end in September 2026.
Scottish Labour said there must be clarity on whether this "contributed to th[e] detrimental decision" to end River City.
Hayley Valentine, director of BBC Scotland, said: “River City has been a wonderful adventure and of course we’ll all be sad to see it go.
"The team have done a brilliant job and I know they have some big plans for the finale next year. But as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland showcasing storytelling across the UK.
"Our goal is to grow Scotland further on the global drama map – with a slate of world-class productions that set the standard not just here but internationally too.”
Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: “We are incredibly proud of River City and it is with great sadness that we have come to this difficult decision.
"I want to thank the River City team in front of and behind the cameras for their dedication to the show over the years, past and present.
"For more than two decades, River City has brought drama to life on screen as well as offering industry training at grassroots level, and we know that fans of the programme will be really sad to see it go. The show leaves a tremendous legacy behind and the new productions we’ve announced will offer further opportunities.
“However, the media landscape is changing at pace and, as audience viewing habits change, it’s vital we respond to this. Our three new dramas, alongside the returning drama favourites, reflect the increasing shift in audience demand for series rooted in Scotland which play to audiences across the UK … and beyond.
"We’re delighted to be working with such great production teams and remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in Scotland’s creative industry.”
