Jackie Bird facts for kids

Jacqueline Weir, often known as Jackie Bird, is a famous Scottish journalist and broadcaster. She was born on July 31, 1962. Many people know her as the main presenter of BBC Scotland's news programme, Reporting Scotland. She worked there for nearly 30 years until 2019. Since 2022, she has also been the president of the National Trust for Scotland.

Early Life and Education

Jackie Macpherson was born in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. Her parents are Linda and Ronnie Macpherson. She grew up and went to Earnock High School in Hamilton.

Jackie's Career Journey

Jackie Bird started her career at a young age. She was only 17 when she began working for DC Thomson in Dundee.

Early Journalism Work

Jackie first worked on magazines for teenagers. She even became the pop 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.

Joining Television

Jackie then moved into television. She joined Television South (TVS) in Maidstone. There, she worked as a reporter and presenter. She helped present the South East edition of the regional news programme Coast to Coast.

Reporting Scotland and BBC Scotland

Jackie Bird left TVS to join BBC Scotland. She made her first appearance as a main presenter for Reporting Scotland on October 16, 1989. This became the role she is most famous for. She also presented other big shows for BBC Scotland. These included Hogmanay Live and the Scottish parts of Children in Need.

Jackie 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.

Awards and Recognition

On June 13, 2012, Jackie received a special award. The University of Glasgow gave her an honorary degree called Doctor of Letters (D Litt). This was to recognise 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 programme.

Leaving Reporting Scotland

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

Other Projects and Appearances

Jackie Bird has also worked on other interesting projects. She has toured with the band Echo & the Bunnymen. She also worked with the musician Paul Weller.

In November 2016, she appeared as herself in an episode of the Scottish sitcom Still Game. The episode was called "Down and Out." In 2018, Jackie also made a short appearance in the zombie Christmas musical movie Anna and the Apocalypse.

In December 2024, she received the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award was given to her for her services to broadcasting and charity work.

Jackie's Personal Life

Jackie Bird met Bob Bird, who is a newspaper editor, while working at The Sun in Glasgow. They married and moved to London, where they had two children. In 2007, she remarried. She now lives in the village of Carmunnock.