Big changes at the top of Radio Shetland
CAMERON Angus-Mackay and Iona Nicol have been promoted to replace BBC Radio Shetland editor John Johnston, who retires this weekend.
A relatively new name to the isles, Angus-Mackay will be fronting the main news output of the station after having been named its new editor.
Nicol meanwhile takes up the role of senior journalist with responsibility for the community late programmes.
Johnston has spent more than three decades at the local BBC radio station, reporting on all the major stories from the islands on TV, radio and online.
From air and sea rescues to Shetland’s Up Helly Aa festivals, from snow drifts and major power cuts, Johnston has always been out there, often in appalling conditions.
A familiar voice co-presenting Good Evening Shetland, Johnston has been a champion of community radio and a mentor of the next generation of journalists, including Phil Goodlad and Jonathan Sutherland who both work as sport journalists and presenters at BBC Scotland in Glasgow.
After almost 20 years in charge of the station, Johnston is now stepping down and handing over the reigns to the next generation.
Angus-Mackay, 30, spent four years working freelance BBC programmes and podcast companies before landing a full-time job with the BBC Radio Scotland news team in 2023.
He worked as a reporter in Inverness from February 2025 before moving to Lerwick to join BBC Radio Shetland in February of this year.
He said: “I can’t wait to step into the new role next week. I’m honoured to be taking over from John, who’s retiring with a unique legacy as an inspirational leader and respected journalist.
“BBC Radio Shetland will continue to put community stories at the heart of its output, with ambitions for a bigger digital presence as the station approaches its 50th birthday in 2027.
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“I’m proud to be part of a hugely talented and dedicated team of journalists.”
Nicol studied journalism at Edinburgh’s Napier University and graduated in the summer of 2022 and had already started working for BBC Radio Shetland as a researcher a few months prior to that.
Aged 26, she is the youngest in the team besides new apprentice Jessie Clubb.
“I’ve been at the station for nearly five years and am passionate about local journalism, so I’m deeply honoured to have a role in shaping its future,” she said.
“Most of all, I’m excited to continue developing our evening programme schedule and Good Evening Shetland, reflecting Shetland’s culture, heritage and history.”
Welcoming the new team at the helm of Radio Shetland, the BBC’s senior news editor for Northern Isles, Highlands & Islands and Gaelic News, Iona MacRitchie, said: “I wish Cameron Angus-Mackay and Iona Nicol every success in their new roles.
“After 33 years in Shetland, John Johnston leaves an incredible legacy and some very big shoes to fill, but I know the team in Pitt Lane will continue to go from strength to strength under their leadership.
“Shetland has a distinctive identity and no shortage of stories and what happens here often has an impact well beyond the isles.
“BBC Radio Shetland has just this week launched the new winter schedule, with a range of programmes to suit all tastes. It’s great to have Cameron and Iona in post ahead of what promises to be another busy winter.”
Meanwhile, Johnston paid tribute to the people he has worked with over the years.
“Radio Shetland has a special place in the community, and it has been an honour and a privilege to bring the news each night at 5.30pm,” he said.
“I’ve had the best job in the BBC, but don’t tell anybody. I wish the team at Pitt Lane all the very best for the future.”
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