Sloan, whose broadcasting career stretches back more than 40 years, has also questioned a shift which will see Radio Scotland play “more mainstream, easy listening tracks.”

Read More:

He has highlighted how he has wanted to give listeners the chance to enjoy “alternative tracks they wouldn’t normally expect on the wireless instead of hit songs “you keep hearing over and over again”.  

He is one of four presenters, along with Roddy Hart, Iain Anderson and Natasha Raskin Sharp, whose shows are being wound up within weeks.

Billy Sloan’s Saturday night show on Radio Scotland is being wound up at the end of this year. (Image: Newsquest)

The BBC’s decision to the plug on the four presenters has sparked anger from musicians including Iona Fyfe, Emma Pollock, Dean Owens, Findlay Napier, James Grant, Kim Edgar, Carol Laula and Kris Drever.

Separate petitions have been launched to try to secure a reprieve for Sloan and Anderson.

The changes have been announced six months after the appointment of Victoria Easton-Riley, the new head of Radio Scotland, who was hired from commercial radio operator Bauer.

BBC Scotland is based at Pacific Quay in Glasgow.

Commercial radio DJ Lynne Hoggan is being brought in by to present a new show, Up Late, between Monday and Thursday, from 10pm till midnight, while Ashley Storrie will be keeping her late-night slot on Fridays for her own edition of Up Late.

The BBC has not yet announced how it will be replacing Sloan’s Saturday night show or the Sunday night programme hosted by Iain Anderson.

Posting on social media, Sloan said: “I will present my final show for BBC Radio Scotland next month.

“As you may have read in the papers, a new boss has taken over at the station and she’s making changes. I don’t figure in her future plans.

“On Saturday December 27 I’ll reluctantly bring the curtain down on a very enjoyable 11-year period hosting the programme.

“I DON’T play the hits…the songs you keep hearing over and over again.  

“Instead I prefer to give listeners the opportunity to enjoy alternative tracks they wouldn’t normally expect on the wireless.

“I can honestly say – hand on heart – that I’ve never played a single record I didn’t think was great.

“But it appears that in the new format that is being introduced – reported in the press to be more of an “easy listening/broad mainstream appeal” – that is no longer what is required.

“Musically, I plan to go out with a bang with some special shows.

“Over the next few weeks, I’ll look back at the best of the interviews during that 11-year period, revisiting my conversations with stars such as Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, U2, Alice Cooper and Pete Townshend of The Who to name but a few.

“I’ll also reveal my favourite singles, albums and gigs of 2025 with songs from Oasis, Simple Minds, Public Image Limited, Richard Ashcroft and Fontaines DC.

“Before bowing out with some of my all-time favourite compositions from artistes including David Bowie, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Orange Juice, Scott Walker and The Clash, with a few musical curve balls thrown in for good measure.

“I send my heartfelt thanks to all the musicians I’ve had the pleasure to work with, and to my legions of loyal listeners who tune in every week – from all around the globe – responding enthusiastically to our topic.  Your continued support is greatly appreciated.”

When plans for the new Up Late show were announced last week, Ms Easton Riley said it would “provide the perfect soundtrack during the quieter hours and offer listeners a sense of warmth, connection and community throughout the week”.

A spokesperson for BBC Scotland: “It’s not unusual for radio stations to undergo changes, particularly in an increasingly competitive audio market and, whilst we understand some audiences may be disappointed, it is important that BBC Radio Scotland continues to evolve its offer.

“BBC Radio Scotland remains proud to showcase the full breadth of Scotland’s musical talent from established performers to the next generation of artists across its programming and young traditional, jazz and classical musician awards, which run across the year. 

“From Another Country to BBC Introducing in Scotland, Take the Floor to Vic Galloway, specialist music has always been a vital part of what we do and we remain deeply committed to celebrating it in our schedule.”