ONE of BBC Scotland’s top presenters has announced he will be stepping back from the role.

John Beattie, a former rugby union player, currently hosts Drivetime on BBC Radio Scotland from 4pm to 6pm on weekdays.

He had previously presented a flagship “John Beattie Show” at lunchtimes on the same broadcaster.

Announcing that Beattie would be leaving his current role later this year, the BBC said: “Although hanging up his Drivetime headphones, we hope to hear John on our airwaves again from the new year.”

And Beattie said: "I have loved every single day working for the BBC and it has been an enormous privilege.

"It's the people I will miss the most as they have all been extraordinary people and friends.

"It is time to spend more time with my family and grandchildren, explore more of the world on my bike, and to play more gigs in my band."

Beattie is also a host on BBC Scotland's political programme The Nine. It is currently unclear if he is also stepping back from these duties.