A WELL-KNOWN Scottish news presenter is set to retire after almost four decades, with his final appearance this Friday.
Journalist Norman MacLeod will present his final STV News at Six programme on July 10, after reporting for almost 40 years presenting across the north of Scotland.
MacLeod – a Gaelic speaker originally from Scalpay in Harris, in the Outer Hebrides – joined Grampian Television in the 1980s as a trainee journalist. He went on to become one of STV’s most recognisable figures, serving as a senior presenter for more than 20 years and covering some of the most significant stories to affect the region.
Among the defining moments of his career was his reporting on the Piper Alpha disaster, one of the deadliest offshore oil tragedies in history. Three decades later, he returned to the story with a special programme broadcast from the Memorial Rose Garden in Aberdeen, marking the anniversary of the disaster.
His reporting has also taken him to the front line of extreme weather events, including the 2005 storms in South Uist, and to major public events such as the Tall Ships Race in Aberdeen Harbour.
MacLeod’s career has also featured lighter moments, from sampling traditional whale meat in the Faroe Islands alongside Scotland’s men’s national football team to interviewing high-profile entertainment figures including Margarita Pracatan and Barry Manilow.
He has also reported from across Europe and further afield. In addition to his work with STV, he has presented for ITN in London, Channel 4 and the History Channel.
Reflecting on his career, MacLeod said: “It’s been a privilege to bring the news to viewers across the north of Scotland for almost 40 years. I’ve had an incredible career at STV, working alongside some truly wonderful colleagues who have made it so special. I’ll miss the team enormously, but the time feels right to embark on a new adventure.
"As a presenter, you are welcomed into people’s homes each evening, and earning their trust is a responsibility I have never taken lightly. It’s been an honour to serve our audience in this way for the past four decades.”
Bobby Hain, managing director of audience at STV, paid tribute to MacLeod’s contribution, saying: “An outstanding journalist and presenter, Norman is truly a legend of STV News. He has delivered trusted news to audiences across the north of Scotland with authority and grace for almost 40 years. His passion for regional public service broadcasting and his unwavering commitment to his craft are exceptional.
"We thank him for his immense contribution and for being such a valued member of our team, and we wish him every success for the future.”
