Television programmes lack ambition and imagination when it comes to expressing Scottish culture, heritage and creativity, according to evidence in the second interim report from the Scottish Broadcasting Commission. 

Since January, the Commission has been focusing its investigation on the cultural importance of Scottish broadcasting, looking at the main programme services and how well they meet the needs and aspirations of viewers.

According to evidence given to the Commission, audiences have an appetite for more Scottish programmes than the current 5 per cent of BBC1 and BBC2 schedules and 6.5 per cent of STV's schedule.

Chair Blair Jenkins said: "The Commission believes the cultural content of television is important because it is vital for social cohesion, national identity and a sense of history - the story of this nation's journey, where it is and where it may be going.

"Much of the evidence we received conveyed a strong sense that broadcasting is out of touch or off the pace when it comes to recording and reflecting the cultural vitality and diversity of modern Scotland.

"Many commentators are convinced that television can provide a showcase for Scottish creativity and cultural activities and should be taking more risks instead of giving people more of the same."

Jenkins pointed out that the appetite for more Scottish content was not satisfied by broadcasters with public service broadcasting obligations.

"This interim report opens up many issues and questions which need to be explored and addressed by the industry in order to ensure that our broadcasting truly reflects Scottish as well as international culture for viewers in Scotland."

Eighty four per cent of those surveyed by the Commission also said that competitive matches played by Scotland's national football team should be shown live on free terrestrial television. 

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