Jackie Bird facts for kids

Jackie Bird is a well-known Scottish journalist and broadcaster. She was born Jacqueline Macpherson on July 31, 1962. Many people know her as a main presenter for Reporting Scotland, the national news program for BBC Scotland. She worked there for a very long time, until April 2019. Since 2022, Jackie has been the president of the National Trust for Scotland, an organization that protects Scotland's heritage.

Early Life and Education

Jackie Macpherson was born in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. Her parents were Linda and Ronnie Macpherson. She grew up in Hamilton with her younger brother. Her father worked as a school janitor, and her mother worked in a home for older people. Jackie went to Earnock High School.

Jackie Bird's Career Journey

Jackie Bird started her career at just 17 years old. She worked for DC Thomson in Dundee, a company that publishes magazines.

Early Journalism Work

Jackie first worked on magazines for teenagers. She eventually became the pop music editor for Jackie magazine. After that, she joined Radio Clyde's news team as a broadcast journalist. She also worked as a food critic for the Glasgow Evening Times newspaper. Later, she became a reporter for The Sun newspaper.

Moving to Television

Jackie then moved to television, joining Television South (TVS) in Maidstone. There, she was a reporter and presenter for Coast to Coast. This was a regional news program for the South East of England.

Her Time at BBC Scotland

Jackie Bird left TVS to join BBC Scotland. She started as a main presenter for Reporting Scotland on October 16, 1989. She became one of the program's most familiar faces. Jackie also presented other big shows for BBC Scotland. These included Hogmanay Live, which celebrates New Year's Eve. She also helped with the Scottish parts of Children in Need, a charity event.

Other Projects and Recognition

Besides her TV work, Jackie Bird is also a newspaper columnist. She has written and produced comedy series for BBC Radio Scotland. These include The Lewis Lectures and Having it All.

In June 2012, the University of Glasgow gave her a special award. She received an honorary degree called Doctor of Letters (D Litt). This recognized her achievements.

In October 2014, Jackie celebrated a big milestone. She had worked on Reporting Scotland for 25 years. This made her the longest-serving presenter on the program.

On April 11, 2019, BBC Scotland announced that Jackie had left Reporting Scotland. She had been a main presenter for almost 30 years. She left to focus on other projects. Her last program was the evening before, and she did not announce her departure on air.

Other Work and Appearances

Jackie Bird has also worked with musicians. She has toured with the band Echo & the Bunnymen. She also worked with the famous musician Paul Weller.

In November 2016, she appeared in an episode of the Scottish sitcom Still Game. She played herself in the episode called "Down and Out." In 2018, Jackie had a small part in the Christmas musical film Anna and the Apocalypse. This movie was about zombies.

In December 2024, Jackie Bird received a special honor. She was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award recognized her great work in broadcasting and for charity.

Personal Life

Jackie Bird met Bob Bird, who was a newspaper editor, while working at The Sun in Glasgow. They got married and had a daughter, born in 1993, and a son, born in 1995. They later divorced in 2006. The next year, on November 23, 2007, she married Robin Weir. He works as an investment fund manager. Their wedding was in East Kilbride.

In 2012, Jackie had surgery for a health condition.