Laura Goodwin named as new Reporting Scotland presenter

BBC Scotland's innovation correspondent Laura Goodwin has been named as a new lead presenter on Reporting Scotland.

Her appointment follows the departure of Sally Magnusson after 27 years in the role.

Laura Goodwin will start presenting the news programme alongside Laura Miller in May.

The South African-born journalist joined the BBC in 2018 and has covered stories from Scotland's business and academic community.

Laura, who moved to Scotland at the age of 12, said she was "delighted" to start presenting the programme.

"To take over from Sally Magnusson, someone I hold in such high regard, is an incredible honour," she said.

"On a personal note, this is an opportunity that, as a once very shy little girl, I could only have dreamt of and I am looking forward to getting started."

Gary Smith, head of news and current affairs at BBC Scotland, said: "Laura is a brilliant addition to the Reporting Scotland team.

"She is a consummate professional who presents with authority, flair and grace. A great journalist and interviewer too, who gets straight to the heart of a story."

Laura studied at Madras College in St Andrews before pursuing a degree in sociology at the University of Edinburgh.

After starting her broadcast career at Moray Firth Radio in Inverness, she moved to STV in Aberdeen as a presenter and reporter.

Laura will take up her new role on Reporting Scotland presenting on Thursdays and Fridays from May.

Her appointment comes after BBC Scotland recently launched two new titles: News at Seven presented by Laura Maciver and Amy Irons, and podcast series Scotcast with Martin Geissler.