Still Game helps new BBC Scotland channel attract record audience

The new BBC Scotland channel attracted record digital audiences for its opening night schedule.

Five out of the top 10 most-watched programmes across all channels north of the border were aired by the new £32 million venture.

These were Still Game, two episodes of A Night at the Theatre, Burnistoun Tunes In and The People’s News.

It was the start of the final series of Still Game – featuring the antics of pensioners Jack and Victor – that was record-breaking.

The show pulled in the highest-ever ratings for a digital channel in Scotland, attracting almost 700,000 viewers.

Steve Carson, head of multi-platform commissioning BBC Scotland, said: ‘‘This is a strong start for the new channel and we’re delighted that viewers have come to us in such significant numbers for our opening night’s schedule.

“Our aim is to build a channel which resonates with audiences across Scotland through relevant and compelling content.

“We appreciate that ratings will settle down over time, but we are encouraged by the very positive audience feedback that we’ve had for our first night.”

The night opened with a specially commissioned short film featuring Scottish band Chvrches and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Singer Lauren Mayberry was the first voice to be heard on the channel, performing the band’s song Miracle accompanied by images of Scottish people, places and landscapes.

And across the evening BBC Scotland had an average share of 13%, making it the third most-watched channel in Scotland, behind BBC One and ITV1.