The BBC in Scotland

Audience performance

The BBC is the most used brand for media in Scotland – used by 80% of adults in Scotland on average per week in 2025/26, within one percentage point of the reach in 2025/26 as per the UK overall.

In video, the BBC was the leader in Scotland in 2025/26. Reflecting the UK-wide picture, BBC watching levels were down year-on-year in Scotland. The proportion of people listening to BBC Radio was steadier year-on-year in Scotland than in the UK overall, though – like the UK – the hours spent listening were down. The proportion of people using BBC Online overall was up year-on-year, as was usage of iPlayer and Sounds, both at record levels.

On average, 54% of adults in Scotland consumed BBC Scotland content per week across BBC TV/iPlayer, BBC Radio and BBC Online.

Purpose 4. To reflect, represent and serve the diverse communities of all the United Kingdom’s nations and regions and support the creative economy

Scotland adults 16+

Experience: Usage of the BBC amongst adults in Scotland

Perception 

Source: Ipsos UK. 16+

Scotland-only services

The BBC Scotland Channel features a mix of documentary, popular factual and entertainment, comedy, drama, news and current affairs and sport programming reflecting Scottish life and culture.

• 12% - Scotland population who use the service on average per week (2024/25: 13%)

BBC ALBA offers, to Gaelic speakers and learners, a distinctive range of originated programming that reflects and supports Gaelic culture, identity and heritage.

• 43% - Scotland population who use the service on average per week (2024/25: 47%)

BBC Radio Scotland is a speech-led service for adults. Mixed genre programming reflects the diversity of Scottish culture and covers national and international issues and events relevant to listeners across the country.

• 18% - Scotland population who use the service on average per week (2024/25: 17%)

BBC Radio nan Gàidheal offers a comprehensive speech and music radio service for Gaelic speakers. Mixed genre programming reflects the diversity of Scottish culture and, from a Gaelic perspective and through the medium of the Gaelic language, covers national and international issues and events relevant to listeners across the country.

• 50% - Scotland population who use the service on average per week (2024/25: 52%)

BBC Scotland: Reach definition: 15+ minutes consecutive and audiences 4+ in Scotland

Source: BARB As Viewed (all devices)

NB New BARB As Viewed measurement was introduced in BBC reporting from 2022/23 onwards. The new data measures all viewing to the channel, both linear and on-demand, in all households with a TV set and/or a broadband internet connection, across all devices. Therefore, BARB As Viewed data from 2024/25 and 2025/26 is not comparable with pre-2022/23 figures. Channel reach does not include viewing pre-TX or beyond 28 days.

BBC ALBA: TRP PRAEG Panel based on Gaelic community 16+ in Scotland. BBC ALBA reaches 7% of the overall 16+ population in Scotland on average per week (source: TNS Kantar Scottish Opinion Survey based on adults aged 16+ in Scotland).

BBC nan Gàidheal: TRP PRAEG Panel based on Gaelic community 16+ in Scotland.

BBC Radio Scotland: Reach definition: 15+ minutes and audiences aged 15+. RAJAR (Radio reach and time per listener; data based on total survey area – TSA).

Dedicated TV content for Scotland

Source: BARB As Viewed (all devices). Reach based on 3+ mins

Scotland Finances

Estimated income from each nation

These numbers are estimated as figures for each nation have been calculated by applying the proportion of licensed premises to the total number of licences in force. The exact number of licences in force varies on a daily basis. The number of licensed premises are different to the number of licences in force as, in some cases, a premises may need more than one licence. Figures exclude concessionary licences for those living in residential care.

The fee for a standard household TV licence is £174.50. The licence fee income received contributes towards programmes made across thewhole of the UK and the world. These programmes are consumed in each nation in addition to the nation’s local services outlined below.

Expenditure by service

Direct and indirect spend relating to programmes produced in the nation*.

*  From 2025/26, the presentation of Nations expenditure has been updated to better reflect audience consumption with 2024/25 comparatives restated.

^  From 1 April 2024, the cost of children’s programmes is recognised over the estimated average contract period to better reflect children’s consumption patterns. Network spend presented shows spend prior to this adjustment. See note E for further details.

Scotland opt-out hours ^ (including repeats) on BBC One

^Television content commissioned specifically for audiences in the nation

BBC Scotland

BBC ALBA

Radio Scotland^

Radio nan Gàidheal

Headcount

Average headcount of individuals based in Scotland across all services including support functions