BBC Scotland is to cut about 60 jobs as it aims to reduce spending by £6.2 million, the corporation has announced.

The broadcaster said the cash had to be saved by the end of March 2021 and blamed the move on “ongoing financial challenges compounded by the effects of Covid-19”.

Donalda MacKinnon, the BBC Scotland director, told staff that while efficiencies had been identified the headcount had to be reduced.

The BBC said a previous stand-still licence fee meant £800m had to be saved across the organisation over the first five years of its current charter.

It said the pandemic’s impact, as well as the impact of paying licence fees for over 75s, meant a further £125m needed to be cut.

MacKinnon said: "BBC Scotland has been fortunate to attract significant investment in the last few years securing a new TV channel, increased network programming and the establishment of a design and engineering hub.

“That meant we were able to create an additional 250 jobs - but we aren't immune to the new financial challenges now facing many businesses up and down the country.

"Sadly that means that along with cost cutting measures throughout our departments, we estimate we will also have to lose around 60 posts to make the savings required."

The search for volunteers for redundancy will take place over the next six weeks.

BBC Scotland currently employs more than 1100 workers.