JACKIE Bird has presented her final bulletin for the BBC.
One of Scottish broadcasting's most recognisable faces, Ms Bird has been the face of Reporting Scotland for the last 30 years.
Ms Bird said she is not leaving the corporation, but is leaving the presentation of news.
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She said: "I’m not leaving the BBC, I’m just vacating the news desk.
"I've been fortunate to cover most of the major news stories in Scotland over the last 30 years."
Jackie Bird says goodbye to BBC Reporting Scotland's viewers for the last time https://t.co/pThzQvUBKb pic.twitter.com/rWy1tReFhq
— BBC Scotland News (@BBCScotlandNews) April 11, 2019
She added: "I’ve been planning this for a while. I thought I’d give it until Brexit was sorted, but I fear I might have to stay for another 30 years.
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"I’ve been privileged to be involved in so many memorable news events, from seismic political changes to reporting live from Afghanistan.
"I’ve presented the programme from Washington to Westminster and last year anchoring from France on the centenary of the Armistice was an honour.
"None of this would have been possible without some tremendous colleagues – and it’s them that I will miss most, but it’s time to move on."
She said she would like to now become more involved in writing for TV and radio, whilst presenting more in-depth interviews.
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The presenter, who shares presenting duties on Reporting Scotland with Sally Magnusson, also fronts many annual Scottish TV events such as Hogmanay, Children in Need and the World Pipe Band contest for the BBC.
She added: "There's never been a better time to get involved in new TV and radio programmes in Scotland but being committed to Reporting Scotland for so much of my working week simply didn’t allow me the time.
"I’m actually apprehensive about making such a big change – even last week I considered changing my mind and staying, but it’s something I have to do.”
Gary Smith, head of news for BBC Scotland, said: "Jackie is one of the most talented and committed journalists I’ve ever worked with. Her passion and energy for the job are unsurpassed.
"As a TV news presenter, she is the ultimate professional, who copes supremely well with whatever comes her way. She’s also great fun. For many in the newsroom - and the audience across the country - she just 'is' Reporting Scotland. I’ll miss her, the team in the newsroom will miss her, Scotland will miss her."
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BBC Scotland Director Donalda MacKinnon said: "I've had the pleasure of working with Jackie for many years now and it's been very reassuring for me and for many of us that she's been at the helm of the country's most watched news programme.
" She's a brilliant journalist and multi-talented broadcaster who will, I hope, continue to work with us here at BBC Scotland.
"She was an inspiration to many female colleagues particularly during her earlier years when newsrooms were largely dominated by men. I am certain that she will continue to inspire and influence in all she does next.”
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