STV Edinburgh launches with sharks, food and chat

Hayley Matthews and Ewen Cameron launch The Fountainbridge Show

SHARKS, historic pubs and football filled the small screen for the launch of the Capital’s new TV channel – but it was a cake lovingly crafted into the shape of a tram which really stole the show.

Despite a few problems with the opening fireworks display at Edinburgh Castle, there were sparks in the studio as STV Edinburgh went live last night with The Fountainbridge Show.

Presenters Hayley Matthews and Ewen Cameron kicked off the magazine-style show at 7pm, which will air on weeknights with a mixture of live music, food, history and culture from the Capital.

The presenting duo welcomed a range of guests to their sofa, including Fraser Parkinson and David McLean, who run the Lost Edinburgh blog, football pundits Peter Martin and Hibs legend Alan Rough, and David Duncan from 3D Cakes, in Roseburn, whose team spent 70 hours creating the show-stopping tram treat.

Chef Mark Greenaway, who has a restaurant in North Castle Street, brought along some canapes as a taster for his regular cookery segments on the show.

Local musicians The Rising Souls gave three impressive performances, garnering praise from viewers.

Edinburgh Has Talent winner Caitlyn Vanbeck posted on Twitter: “Listening to @TheRisingSouls on @STVEdinburgh –  absolutely amazing!”

The 90-minute programme also saw reporters Zara Janjua and George Ward sent to explore the city’s oldest pubs and to swim with sharks at Deep Sea World in North Queensferry.

The Fountainbridge Show attracted some criticism on social media sites for technical hitches, such as poor lighting in some of the editorial packages and pauses between sections.

Karin McKendrick tweeted: “Watching @STVEdinburgh #fountainbridgeshow. Was that piece on the Sheep Heid filmed on a very cheap phone?”

But many users were charmed by the programme and tweeted their support.

Julia Morrison posted: “Was ready to be a bit cynical about #fountainbridgeshow, but y’know, it’s quite a good wee show. Feeling proud as a native of Fountainbridge.”

Sharon MacLeod posted: “@STVEdinburgh Loved #fountainbridgeshow launch show! Love the music, chat and LOLs! Exciting to have our own channel and show in Edinburgh!”

And Ollie Piggott added: “Super local and cool! Keep seeing my flats in the background of your shots!  #fountainbridgeshow.”

The channel has been launched in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, which will allow journalism students the chance to gain valuable experience in a live TV environment.

STV launched a local channel in Glasgow in June which attracts around 600,000 viewers, according to the Broadcast Audience Research Board (Barb) – the national body measuring TV ratings.

Speaking before the launch, Bobby Hain, director of channels at STV, said: “We are committed to delivering locally relevant content for our consumers across Scotland and the launch of STV Edinburgh today further cements our position as Scotland’s leading media brand.”

STV Edinburgh is broadcast on Freeview channel 23, Sky channel 117 and Virgin channel 159 and will be available to watch live on STV Player.