1993 in Scottish television

This is a list of events in Scottish television from 1993.

Events

• 5 January – Scottish Television produces a new series of Doctor Finlay, last aired by the BBC in 1971.^[1]
• 2 June – Marcus Plantin, ITV's network director, announces the termination of Take the High Road from September 1993, as 'ITV's statisticians believed English audiences have had enough'^[2] This results in public protest, as many believe that without ITV companies south of the border, the series had no chance.^[3] The issue is raised in the House of Commons under an early day motions, and the Daily Record newspaper holds a protest as well.^[4] By the end of June, Scottish Television decide to continue producing the series mainly for the Scottish market,^[5] but within a month, nearly all the ITV companies reinstate it after viewers complain about the show being dropped in the first place.^[6]
• 31 December – First edition of the annual Scottish football comedy sketch show Only an Excuse? which is aired each Hogmanay.
• Unknown – Scottish Television launches a thirty-minute lunchtime edition of Scotland Today, presented by Angus Simpson and Kirsty Young – the first time that a regional television station in Britain has produced a full-length lunchtime news programme.
• Unknown – After retaining its franchise unopposed, Scottish Television invests shares in various ITV companies and media firms, including a 25% stake in the newly launched breakfast strand GMTV.
• Unknown – Launch of Telefios a Scottish Gaelic news programme on STV and Grampian.

Debuts

BBC

• 31 December – Only an Excuse? on BBC Scotland on 1 (1993–present)

ITV

• 5 January – Doctor Finlay (1993–1996)
• 12 September – Hurricanes on Scottish Television (1993–1997)
• Unknown – Speaking our Language on Scottish Television (1993–1996)
• Unknown – Telefios on STV and Grampian (1993–2000)
• Unknown – Wolf It (1993–1996)

Television series

• Scotsport (1957–2008)
• Reporting Scotland (1968–1983; 1984–present)
• Top Club (1971–1998)
• Scotland Today (1972–2009)
• Sportscene (1975–present)
• Public Account (1976–present)
• The Beechgrove Garden (1978–present)
• Grampian Today (1980–2009)
• Take the High Road (1980–2003)
• Taggart (1983–present)
• Crossfire (1984–2004)
• Wheel of Fortune (1988–2001)
• Fun House (1989–1999)
• Win, Lose or Draw (1990–2004)
• Machair (1992–1998)
• What's Up Doc? (1992–1995)

Deaths

• 3 August – James Donald, 76, actor
• Unknown – Agnes Lauchlan, 88, film and television actor

References