'It's time for the next generation': John MacKay prepares for life after STV

After more than three decades as one of Scotland’s most recognisable news presenters, John MacKay is preparing to step away from STV.

In a special edition of Scotland Tonight, MacKay sat down with colleague Rona Dougall to reflect on a journalism career spanning four decades, the stories that shaped him, and what life might look like after the newsroom.

John has spent 31 years with STV and says his path into journalism began with words of simple encouragement while at school.

“I was inspired by a teacher who recognised I enjoyed writing,” he said. “She suggested I might become a journalist.”

At the time, MacKay was delivering newspapers and remembers being fascinated by headlines and the excitement of the news cycle.

“That idea of delivering newspapers, the thrill of a headline…I quite liked that whole thing,” he explained.

Early career and family influence

MacKay began his career in newspapers before moving to television, spending time at the BBC before joining STV in the 1990s.

Education was a strong influence growing up. His mother, originally from the Western Isles, valued university and professional careers – although she had reservations about journalism.

“Her image of journalists was that they were heavy drinkers,” he joked.

Despite that, MacKay’s mum supported his ambitions but she died unexpectedly early on in his career and never saw his later success in broadcasting.

“I think she would have been happy if I were happy doing what I was doing,” he said.

Front-row seat to historic moments

Over four decades, MacKay has reported on some of the most significant political and social moments affecting Scotland and the UK.

Among the highlights was covering the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.

“That was a highlight because the country was so engaged,” he said. “Everyone was involved. Nobody knew what the result was going to be.”

He also covered major events earlier in his career including the Piper Alpha disaster and the Dunblane shooting, the latter of which he said continues to affect him.

Reflections on politics

Having interviewed numerous political figures over the years, MacKay believes truly transformative leadership has become rarer.

He cited figures such as Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and Alex Salmond as politicians who “for better or worse, made a difference”.

“I’m not sure we see leadership in the same way now,” he said. “Often it feels more like management.”

He also noted that many long-running issues in Scotland remain unresolved.

“Homelessness and drugs are stories we return to again and again,” he said. “There are strategies and ideas, but they’re often not followed through.”

Interviews and memorable moments

MacKay says some of his most memorable encounters have been with entertainers.

He singled out conversations with Billy Connolly and Kevin Bridges, describing both as “naturally funny”.

But he said the most meaningful interviews were often with ordinary people telling personal stories rather than public figures.

“The most fascinating interviews have always been with people who aren’t in public life,” he said.

Stories that stayed with him

Certain news moments proved especially difficult to report.

One early experience was announcing the death of footballer Davie Cooper, a player MacKay had admired growing up.

“You’re sitting there reading the news and telling people that someone you admired has died. That sticks with you.”

Another personal story involved reporting on an oil rig that ran aground near a beach in the Western Isles where his family had long connections.

“Suddenly you’re reading the news about a place you love,” he said. “That was different.”

Writing career and film success

Alongside broadcasting, MacKay has built a second career as a novelist.

His historical novel “The Road Dance” was adapted into a movie by the same name, which was filmed in the Hebrides, including locations with family connections.

“There were scenes filmed in the house my great-grandfather built,” he said. “That was quite something.”

MacKay even appeared briefly in the film, playing a crofter alongside his son.

He is now developing further projects, including a potential television series and a sequel to the film.