BBC Scotland viewers were left shocked this morning after Jackie Bird announced that she had hosted her last Reporting Scotland broadcast.
The presenter has been the face of Reporting Scotland for the last 30 years, and despite staying with the BBC, this morning it was announced that she was leaving the presentation of news.
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.
READ MORE: Jackie Bird leaves BBC Reporting Scotland after 30 years
And viewers were quick to share their surprise, with one tweeting that it was the end of an era.
Never mind Julian Assange, Jackie Bird has left Reporting Scotland?! 😮 #EndOfAnEra
— Sarah Latto (@sarah_bee13) April 11, 2019
I was fortunate enough to assist #jackiebird with an exposé on trafficking. She was the consummate professional. @BBCScotland and @BBCScotNine are standing on the graceful shoulders of giants. https://t.co/NGVGhUrLB4
— Frank Spiers (@spiers_frank) April 11, 2019
Truly the end of an era not just for television in Scotland but for television news as a whole#JackieBird presented her final edition of #ReportingScotland last night after 30 years
— Gordon G Donaldson (@gordygeorge88) April 11, 2019
and she gave NO CLUE she was about to step down #RepScot
Others paid tribute to her career and the way she chose to leave the desk.
READ MORE: Jackie Bird: a woman who's become a national icon
I was fortunate enough to assist #jackiebird with an exposé on trafficking. She was the consummate professional. @BBCScotland and @BBCScotNine are standing on the graceful shoulders of giants. https://t.co/NGVGhUrLB4
— Frank Spiers (@spiers_frank) April 11, 2019
Very professional. Rather than a sanguine look back and 'surprise' goodbyes and tears, a full understanding that the news is not about the person in front of the camera. That is the mark of a brilliant journalist and presenter. She'll be missed. #JackieBird
— James Doherty (@jdoh28) April 11, 2019
End of an era at Reporting Scotland with Jackie Bird leaving her news presenting role. One of the finest journalists in the land #journalism #Scotland #BBCScotland
— Ross Armour (@RossArmour346) April 11, 2019
Legend! https://t.co/JxfSadKV1d
— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) April 11, 2019
Some saw the funny side with the news of her departure breaking at a similar time to that of Julian Assange's arrest.
Twitter: Assange arrested!
— Fergus John McCann (@seeler_tod) April 11, 2019
Scottish Twitter: OMG JACKIE BIRD#!!??
Can’t be coincidence that Jackie Bird quits Reporting Scotland just as Darcey Bussell quits Strictly?
— Jamie Glackin (@JamieGlackin1) April 11, 2019
If Jackie Bird can leave Reporting Scotland surely the UK can Brexit... Surely!?
— David Shedden (@DavidWShedden) April 11, 2019
Others were happy to see her leave her role at Reporting Scotland
News just in: 'The BBC's Jackie Bird, has presented her final bulletin.'
— Líam Rudden 🧢 (@LiamRudden) April 11, 2019
I'm sure I can't be the only one with a smile on my face.
Wow Jackie Bird retires, where will the Beeb find another person with that level of impartiality, intelligence and professionalism under extreme pressure during political interviews? My moneys on the perfect return to work job for Ruth Davidson #ruthsthenewjackie
— Roddy Nicoll (@roddy_nicoll) April 11, 2019
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