After greater than three many years as considered one of Scotland’s most recognisable information presenters, John MacKay is making ready to step away from STV.
In a particular version of Scotland Tonight, MacKay sat down with colleague Rona Dougall to mirror on a journalism profession spanning 4 many years, the tales that formed him, and what life would possibly appear like after the newsroom.
John has spent 31 years with STV and says his path into journalism started with phrases of straightforward encouragement whereas at college.
“I was inspired by a teacher who recognised I enjoyed writing,” he stated. “She suggested I might become a journalist.”
At the time, MacKay was delivering newspapers and remembers being fascinated by headlines and the pleasure of the information cycle.
“That idea of delivering newspapers, the thrill of a headline…I quite liked that whole thing,” he defined.
Early profession and household affect
MacKay started his profession in newspapers earlier than transferring to tv, spending time at the BBC earlier than becoming a member of STV in the Nineteen Nineties.
Education was a robust affect rising up. His mom, initially from the Western Isles, valued college {and professional} careers – though she had reservations about journalism.
STV News“Her image of journalists was that they were heavy drinkers,” he joked.
Despite that, MacKay’s mum supported his ambitions however she died unexpectedly early on in his profession and by no means noticed his later success in broadcasting.
“I think she would have been happy if I were happy doing what I was doing,” he stated.
Front-row seat to historic moments
Over 4 many years, MacKay has reported on a few of the most important political and social moments affecting Scotland and the UK.
Among the highlights was protecting the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.
STV News“That was a highlight because the country was so engaged,” he stated. “Everyone was involved. Nobody knew what the result was going to be.”
He additionally coated main occasions earlier in his profession together with the Piper Alpha catastrophe and the Dunblane capturing, the latter of which he stated continues to have an effect on him.
Reflections on politics
Having interviewed quite a few political figures over the years, MacKay believes actually transformative management has grow to be rarer.
He cited figures resembling 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 stated. “Often it feels more like management.”
He additionally famous that many long-running points in Scotland stay unresolved.
“Homelessness and drugs are stories we return to again and again,” he stated. “There are strategies and ideas, but they’re often not followed through.”
Interviews and memorable moments
MacKay says a few of his most memorable encounters have been with entertainers.
He singled out conversations with Billy Connolly and Kevin Bridges, describing each as “naturally funny”.
But he stated the most significant interviews have been usually with extraordinary individuals telling private tales somewhat than public figures.
“The most fascinating interviews have always been with people who aren’t in public life,” he stated.
STV NewsStories that stayed with him
Certain information moments proved particularly tough to report.
One early expertise was asserting the dying of footballer Davie Cooper, a participant MacKay had admired rising up.
“You’re sitting there reading the news and telling people that someone you admired has died. That sticks with you.”
Another private story concerned reporting on an oil rig that ran aground close to a seaside in the Western Isles the place his household had lengthy connections.
“Suddenly you’re reading the news about a place you love,” he stated. “That was different.”
STV NewsWriting profession and movie success
Alongside broadcasting, MacKay has constructed a second profession as a novelist.
His historic novel “The Road Dance” was tailored right into a film by the similar title, which was filmed in the Hebrides, together with areas with household connections.
“There were scenes filmed in the house my great-grandfather built,” he stated. “That was quite something.”
MacKay even appeared briefly in the movie, enjoying a crofter alongside his son.
He is now creating additional initiatives, together with a possible tv sequence and a sequel to the movie.
Life after STV
While he expects to overlook the buzz of breaking information and deadlines, MacKay stated the largest loss will likely be each day life in the newsroom.
“I’ll miss my colleagues more than anything else,” he stated. “The banter, the everyday working together.”
STV NewsAfter protecting numerous main tales over the years, he believes it’s the proper time for the next era of journalists to take over.
“I’ve been very lucky to have had a long career,” he stated. “It’s time to let other people have a go.”
Watch Scotland Tonight ‘A Conversation with John MacKay’ on Thursday night at 7.30pm on STV and the STV Player.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code in your cellular system for all the newest information from round the nation
