REPORTING Scotland host Jackie Bird has unexpectedly quit presenting duties on the evening news show.

The journalist’s shock decision – effective immediately – has stunned colleagues.

The corporation said last night's show was Bird's final edition. The veteran presenter, who has been a familiar face on Scotland's screens for the last three decades, said she wanted to concentrate on other opportunities.

“I’m not leaving the BBC, I’m just vacating the news desk,” she said.

“I've been fortunate to cover most of the major news stories in Scotland over the last 30 years.

“I’ve been planning this for a while. I thought I’d give it until Brexit was sorted, but I fear I might have to stay for another 30 years."

Bird said she wants to have more time to present, write and produce projects outwith news in future.

"There's never been a better time to get involved in new TV and radio programmes in Scotland but being committed to Reporting Scotland for so much of my working week simply didn’t allow me the time," she says.

“I’m actually apprehensive about making such a big change – even last week I considered changing my mind and staying, but it’s something I have to do.”

BBC Scotland head of news, Gary Smith, said: “Jackie is one of the most talented and committed journalists I’ve ever worked with.

"Her passion and energy for the job are unsurpassed.“

"As a TV news presenter, she is the ultimate professional, who copes supremely well with whatever comes her way.

She’s also great fun. For many in the newsroom – and the audience across the country – she just is Reporting Scotland.

"I’ll miss her, the team in the newsroom will miss her, Scotland will miss her,” he adds.