𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

The changes also see the departure of long-serving presenter Norman MacLeod, after almost 40 years with the company.

In a statement he said: “I’ve had an incredible career at STV, working alongside some truly wonderful colleagues who have made it so special.

“I’ll miss the team enormously, but the time feels right to embark on a new adventure.”

The exact format which will be broadcast from Monday is being kept under wraps. It is understood the distinct content for the north will include some regional news plus sport and a separate weather forecast.

The part of the programme which will be shown in both areas is likely to include major stories from the north.

One source at STV said: “It’ll be something of a soft launch. The branding won’t change. Some familiar faces including presenter Andrea Brymer will still be there. Hopefully viewers will feel reassured that is still the service they know and trust.

“Critics who claimed major stories in the north like severe weather, high court cases or big council rows won’t be covered are simply wrong. But there will be fewer purely local stories.”

The changes have led to 30 job losses and a one-day strike but in the end there were no compulsory redundancies.