Notes of a Newsman

A vivid, first-hand account of Scotland’s most defining moments — told by one of the nation’s most trusted broadcasters.

From Lockerbie to the Independence Referendum, John MacKay charts a nation in transformation.

About the Ebook

Notes of a Newsman is the story of a changing Scotland — as witnessed, recorded and reflected upon by one of the country’s most recognisable journalists. As John MacKay writes: “We all may have our ideas about where we are headed as a nation and a society, but none of us knows. That makes what lies ahead so fascinating. Just like what’s gone before.”

Across more than three decades, MacKay has reported on the major events that have shaped modern Scotland. From the tragedies of Lockerbie, Dunblane and the Clutha helicopter crash, to sporting triumphs, political upheavals, referendums and the opening of the Scottish Parliament, he has been at the heart of the nation’s story.

His career has taken him from interviewing Prime Ministers and First Ministers to calming an irate — and topless — Alex Salmond, and even sharing a room with a grizzly bear. Using archive scripts, interview transcripts, personal diaries and recollections, MacKay offers a compelling and often surprising insight into one of the most turbulent and transformative periods in Scotland’s peacetime history.

Critical Praise

"It's pleasing to be able to get behind the armour of professional neutrality, with MacKay revealing himself as a man of good judgement, decency, and considerable political foresight."
— The Scottish Review of Books

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• A front‑row seat to Scotland’s most significant events of the last 40 years.
• Insightful, honest reflections from one of the nation’s most trusted broadcasters.
• A blend of journalism, memoir and social history that captures a nation in flux.
• Rich with anecdotes — from the serious to the surprising.
• Essential reading for anyone interested in Scottish politics, culture and identity.

Also by John MacKay

Explore more fiction and non‑fiction by John MacKay:

• Notes of a Newsman — you are here
• Heartland
• Last of the Line
• The Road Dance
• Home

Or get everything in one place:

The Complete John MacKay Bundle

About the Author

John MacKay is a Scottish broadcast journalist and STV News presenter. As co‑anchor of STV News at Six and presenter of Scotland Tonight, he has covered many of the nation’s defining stories over the past three decades.

His non‑fiction work Notes of a Newsman charts Scotland’s transformation through the eyes of a journalist at the heart of the nation’s news. His fiction draws on the oral traditions of his Hebridean upbringing, with a trilogy of bestselling novels set on the Isle of Lewis — one of which, The Road Dance, has been adapted for the big screen. His later novel Home continues his exploration of family, identity and island life.

Publication Details

Publisher: Luath Press

Publication Date: —

Print Length: — (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9781910745045

Format: Ebook

Language: English

Categories: Scottish Non‑Fiction / Journalism / Social History

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