Demolition of the £5 million River City set is underway, prompting an outpouring of grief and anger from fans who have branded the move 'absolute sacrilege'. Images obtained by the Daily Record show cranes and bulldozers moving in on Shieldinch, the fictional Glasgow West End district where the long-running BBC Scotland soap opera was set.
Set Demolition Begins After Show Cancellation
The privately-owned studio site in Dumbarton, which was leased by the BBC, is understood to have been sold to a housebuilder for approximately £2.1 million earlier this year. Following the shock cancellation by BBC Scotland, the show wrapped filming in April after a 24-year run. Work is now underway to flatten the set, with piles of debris pictured outside the show's famous Tall Ship pub.
Fans have shared their disappointment on social media. One fan said on Facebook: 'Absolute disgrace and yet another betrayal of Scotland by the BBC.' Another commented: 'Typical BBC, Can’t make a soap opera, Let’s hope they shut down Walford too, it’s dreadful!' A third added: 'Sad sight. While it had issues, it was a good source of TV work.'
Fan Outrage and Memories
A post in the popular group Scotland from the Roadside stated: 'Last orders appears to have been called in The Tall Ship pub as demolition is ongoing at the set in Dumbarton.' A birds-eye shot of a crane moving rubble at the site was also shared on a Paisley community Facebook page, with the caption: 'Our member Pedro captured the River City set in Dumbarton being demolished - the end of an era for a much-loved Scottish institution. Thank you for sharing it with us, even if it does pull at the heartstrings a little.'
Fans were quick to express how much they miss the show, with one saying: 'OMG I am absolutely devastated I have so loved watching this. Shame on BBC!!!' Another added: 'Absolutely gutted, best soap on TV!'
Background on Cancellation
BBC Scotland chiefs announced their decision to axe the show in March last year, stating it was 'no longer value for money'. TV bosses refused to reverse the decision despite a 'Save River City' campaign backed by the cast, viewers, politicians, and actors' union Equity. The final episode, filmed in April, will be aired at the end of August.
As well as River City, the site—leased by the broadcaster—has hosted other productions, including Shetland, Still Game, and Two Doors Down. The final episodes will be followed by a specially-commissioned documentary featuring two decades of drama, iconic moments, and never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage. Executive Producer Martin McCardie described it as 'a very emotional time'.
Site Sale and Future Plans
The BBC previously said the studios, on the site of a former whisky bottling plant, cost about £5 million to build. BBC Scotland had leased the facility for £150,000 per year, but the agreement was set to expire in September. A production company boss, Maureen Hascoet, secured £5 million in backing to purchase the site, but owners Westerwood Properties rejected the offer. Glasgow-based Turnberry Homes, which has worked on major housing developments in the west of Scotland for 35 years, is understood to have acquired the Dumbarton Studios site earlier this year.
