I am delighted to mark ‘Landward’s’ 50th anniversary with an Early Day Motion to Parliament and I commend the production team and presenters for giving a vital voice to rural communities these past 5 decades. My thanks also go to the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, who hosted a very enjoyable civic reception in recognition of this anniversary, where I was delighted to meet with Euan McIlwraith, former presenter of the programme, now retired and much missed from our TV screens, alongside Susan Hendry, Landward’s current Production Manager.
Fifty years on, the programme continues to be made in Aberdeen, building on the legacy of Producer, Arthur Anderson, who founded ‘Landward’ back in the 70s, while also spotlighting the importance of local broadcasting and local representation in our media. I commend Hayley Valentine, Director at BBC Scotland, for ensuring that this commitment to rural communities continues to be valued, celebrated, and produced in the North-east, in Scotland’s agricultural heartland.
Photograph attached show Seamus Logan MP with former Landward presenter Euan McIlwraith.
Wording of EDM:
That this House congratulates BBC Scotland’s ‘Landward’ programme on reaching its 50th anniversary, having been first broadcast in April 1976; notes that the programme continues to be made in Aberdeen where it was instigated under founding Producer Arthur Anderson and continues today under Production Manager Susan Hendry; recognises the contribution that the programme, presenters and production team have made to farming and rural life over the past half century; commends the Lord Provost of Aberdeen for hosting a civic reception to mark the occasion; and wishes the Landward team and Director of BBC Scotland Hayley Valentine well as they continue to focus on matters of importance to rural Scotland.
