STV’s John Mackay signs off from channel after 32 years

The veteran journalist announced in October last year that he would be leaving the station after 32 years.

On Friday, he picked his last signature tie and delivered his final broadcast on STV’s evening news .

As the segment came to an end, John thanked viewers for ‘having him in their homes for so long’.

He said: “That’s it from me and from me on the STV News. It’s been my privilege to bring you Scotland’s changing story over these many years.

“Thank you for having me in your homes for so long. My colleagues at STV News will continue to bring you the best news service.

“Please do support public service news, we do need it. Thank you for watching, and for the last time, I’m John MacKay, goodnight.”

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Mackay joined STV as an evening news reporter in 1994, being promoted to anchor just four years later in 1998.

He has also presented STV’s current affairs show Scotland Tonight since its launch in 2011, sharing hosting duties with Rona Dougall.

Long before he became a household name as the face of STV evening news, Mackay was pushing copies of the Evening Times through letterboxes in Hillington, where he grew up.

He did this “legally” around the age of 11, and before that, he was helping his brother with his paper round.

As his almost lifelong attachment to journalism comes to an end, Mackay is leaving to focus on “writing and other creative ventures”.

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This includes a sequel to his film The Road Dance and the potential development of a TV series adapted from another of his novels.

Following his final broadcast on STV News, social media was flooded with well-wishes for the broadcaster.

One person said: “All the best, John. One of the very best in the business. It was a privilege to work with you.

“Good luck with whatever comes next.”

A second added: “I watched the news at six and I must admit at the end I found myself a wee bit emotional, which I didn’t expect.

“I suppose it’s because I’m 33, I have literally grown up with him reading the news. It just won’t be the same without him.

“I hope he has a long and happy retirement.”

Meanwhile, a third commented: “Great journalist. Great colleague. Can’t believe it’s been 30 years. Scottish broadcasting will miss John.”