BBC names first Scotland editor

Sarah Smith

The BBC has appointed news presenter Sarah Smith as its first Scotland editor. The new role has been created to bring more in-depth analysis and context on big news stories in Scotland to UK viewers, according to the BBC.

Smith previously worked in Edinburgh, Washington and London for Channel 4 News, before returning to the BBC last year to present BBC Scotland’s new current affairs TV programme Scotland 2014 in the run up to the country’s independence referendum.

The public broadcaster said that the appointment would help reflect the realignment of UK politics following the recent general election.

“I am delighted to be appointed as the BBC’s first Scotland Editor. It’s a very exciting opportunity at a time when Scottish affairs are so important to our understanding of the whole of the UK. I’m looking forward to working with an excellent team who will ensure our coverage of events in Scotland engages our audience across the UK and beyond,” said Smith.