The work of 15 production companies was recognised at the RTS Scotland Awards in late May, demonstrating the strength of the independent sector north of the border.
The RTS Scotland Award was presented to The Beechgrove Garden presenter Jim McColl and the Tern TV production team to celebrate 1,000 episodes of the BBC gardening series, which first aired in 1978.
Elaine C Smith was named On Screen Personality of the Year for STV series Burdz Eye View, produced by Solus Productions and RPM Arts, which followed the actress and comedian across Scotland as she performed her one woman show.
The BBC performed strongly. Stonemouth, produced by BBC Scotland Drama and Slate North and based on Iain Banks’ novel, won the Drama Award. Burnistoun’s Big Night (The Comedy Unit and Bold Yin) scooped the Comedy Award.
Other winning BBC programmes included: Leopard Drama’s CBBC series Eve (Best Children’s Programme); Raise the Roof Productions’ The TV That Made Me (Daytime); BBC Scotland Factual’s Scotland’s War at Sea (History); BBC Scotland Science’s Earth's Natural Wonders: Living on the Edge (Documentary and Specialist Factual); and BBC Scotland Arts Production Handmade (Arts).
Channel 4 series Supershoppers, produced by Firecrest Films, took home the Best Factual Entertainment and Features Award. BT and producers Sunset + Vine won the Sport: Best Live Event category.
STV’s Bernard Ponsonby picked up the Television Journalist of the Year Award for the second year running. In the other news and current affairs categories, STV News at Six: Central won the Best News Programme Award, while BBC Scotland Investigates: The Dog Factory took home the Best Current Affairs Award.
“Nearly 300 people came together to celebrate the excellent work of 15 different production companies that each received awards,” said RTS Scotland Chair James Wilson.
“Jim McColl’s gracious acceptance speech concluded the proceedings beautifully. Commenting that no man is an island, he thanked the many professionals, in front and behind the camera and microphone, with whom he shared his success,” he added.
The awards, which were held at the Oran Mor, Glasgow, were hosted by Reporting Scotland presenter Catriona Shearer and comedian Sanjeev Kohli. April Chamberlain chaired the judging panel.
The awards ceremony was produced by Cheryl Strong, supported by 422 and students from City of Glasgow College.