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John MacKay, the veteran STV news presenter, has announced he will be stepping down from his role after more than three decades. The 59-year-old broadcaster is set to leave the company in March next year, marking the end of a 32-year tenure that began when he joined the station. MacKay, who started at the news station as a reporter on Scotland Today in 1994, will be leaving his anchor role to focus on his writing career. He has already had six books published and plans to pursue other creative ventures, according to STV. The seasoned journalist was promoted to co-anchor Scotland Today with Shereen Nanjiana in 1998. His signature "I'm John MacKay" introduction has been a staple on our screens ever since, as he delivered the day's news to households across the country. Over the years, MacKay has presented STV News at Six, Scotland's most-watched news programme, and the current affairs show Scotland Tonight alongside Rona Dougall. He has been at the forefront of reporting on significant moments in the nation's history, including the establishment of Holyrood, the 2014 Independence Referendum, the coronavirus pandemic, and the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, reports the Daily Record. Throughout his illustrious career, MacKay has interviewed all of Scotland's First Ministers, as well as notable figures such as Sir Billy Connolly, Sir Kenny Dalglish, Will Ferrell, David Tennant, and Donald Trump. Reflecting on his time at STV, MacKay, whose final show date will be confirmed closer to the time, 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. I know I leave STV News in the capable hands of my colleagues to deliver the news programme our viewers value so much." Bobby Hain, STV's managing director of Audience, commented: "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."
