The BBC Audience Councils advise the BBC Trust on how well the BBC is delivering its public purposes and serving licence fee payers across the United Kingdom. The four Councils – serving Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales – are supported by the Trust to provide an independent assessment of audience expectations and issues.

A strong year for the BBC in Scotland saw the launch of BBC Alba (in partnership with MG Alba), a pledge to make more network television in Scotland, and some improvement in network news about the devolved nations.

Programme highlights included coverage of the economic crisis, and the multimedia Scotland’s History. We consulted audiences, advising the Trust accordingly. Key issues included the BBC’s plans to improve local coverage, and the debate on the future of public service broadcasting. Audiences in Scotland tell us they want more content reflecting their interests and concerns, while retaining the strengths of the BBC networks.

- Jeremy Peat, National Trustee for Scotland