Rosie Morton is a journalist, broadcaster, and passionate storyteller who has become a familiar face to audiences across Scotland. As a presenter on BBC Scotland’s Landward programme, she has stepped into the spotlight to share stories of rural life, culture, and the people who shape the nation’s countryside. Beyond her television work, she is an established writer and editor, serving as Chief Sub-Editor at both Scottish Field magazine and Cask and Still Magazine. Her career reflects a deep commitment to Scotland’s landscapes, heritage, and food culture, qualities that make her both relatable to local audiences and an engaging guide for international viewers interested in Scottish life.
Early Career in Journalism
Rosie Morton’s professional path began in journalism, where her talent for writing and editing quickly gained recognition. She joined Scottish Field magazine in 2018, one of the most respected lifestyle publications in Scotland. The magazine is widely known for its coverage of Scottish heritage, arts, food, travel, and country pursuits.
Her role grew significantly, and by 2020 she had become Chief Sub-Editor at both Scottish Field and its sister publication, Cask and Still Magazine, which focuses on the world of whisky. These positions required not only sharp editorial judgement but also the ability to maintain the magazines’ high standards of storytelling, design, and accuracy.
Through these experiences, Morton developed her ability to craft compelling narratives about Scotland’s culture, whether it involved a profile of a distiller, a travel feature on a Highland retreat, or an exploration of the nation’s changing food scene.
Stepping Into Broadcasting
In 2023, Rosie Morton joined the presenting team of Landward, BBC Scotland’s flagship rural affairs programme. For more than four decades, Landward has been the go-to programme for audiences eager to learn about farming, rural life, and the wider countryside. It combines hard-hitting topics such as environmental issues with lighter features about food, travel, and traditions.
Morton’s arrival on the programme was a natural progression from her print career. Her background in storytelling, paired with her ability to connect with communities, made her a perfect fit. She quickly became recognised for her warm presenting style and her curiosity about the subjects she covered.
Viewers saw her travel across Scotland, meeting farmers, chefs, conservationists, and everyday people whose work sustains the nation’s rural culture. Her enthusiasm and respect for the subjects shone through, bringing a sense of authenticity that audiences value.
Storytelling Through Food and Culture
One of Morton’s strongest qualities is her ability to highlight Scotland’s food culture. Whether in print or on screen, she has written and spoken about the country’s eateries, producers, and culinary traditions. Her guides to Aberdeenshire restaurants and coastal seafood dining are examples of how she combines practical recommendations with vivid storytelling.
She presents food not simply as a product but as part of a larger cultural narrative. For Morton, a fish supper in Stonehaven or fine dining in Ballater is not just about flavour but about heritage, community, and a sense of place. This approach resonates with readers and viewers who are increasingly seeking deeper connections with the food they eat and the places they visit.
Her passion for Scotland’s landscapes extends to travel writing, where she encourages audiences to explore bluebell woods, coastal paths, and spring gardens. These articles not only promote tourism but also remind readers of the beauty and accessibility of Scotland’s countryside.
A Distinctive Voice in Modern Scottish Media
Rosie Morton’s rise in the media landscape comes at a time when audiences are craving authenticity. In both television and print, there is a demand for presenters and writers who can speak with genuine enthusiasm rather than manufactured energy. Morton’s voice is natural, warm, and informed, making her content appealing across multiple platforms.
She is also versatile, comfortable switching from serious environmental issues to light-hearted features on rural traditions. This versatility is a strength that allows her to connect with a broad spectrum of viewers and readers.
Her editorial background ensures her reporting is accurate and polished, while her broadcasting work brings stories to life in a way that print alone cannot achieve. This dual skillset positions her uniquely within Scottish media.
Commitment to Scotland’s Communities
A central theme in Morton’s work is her commitment to the people of Scotland. Whether profiling a farmer adapting to climate change, a chef creating dishes with local produce, or a craftsman keeping traditional skills alive, she focuses on individuals and their stories.
This people-centred approach creates an emotional connection for audiences. Instead of presenting rural affairs in abstract terms, she highlights the human experiences at their core. This not only makes the stories more engaging but also encourages greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities within rural Scotland.
Personality and Social Media Presence
Rosie Morton’s presence extends beyond traditional media. She is active on Instagram and Threads, where she shares snippets of her professional work alongside personal interests. Her biography captures her personality: “BBC Landward presenter · Freelance journalist & writer · Serial foodie · Dog lover · Water baby.”
This self-description encapsulates her passions and adds a relatable human element to her public persona. Audiences see not only the polished journalist but also the dog lover and outdoors enthusiast. Social media has become an extension of her storytelling, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses and personal reflections that deepen her connection with followers.
The Role of Women in Rural Broadcasting
Rosie Morton’s work also represents a broader development in Scottish media: the increasing prominence of women in rural broadcasting. Programmes like Landward have long featured female presenters, but Morton’s presence underscores the continuing importance of diverse voices in representing rural life.
Her contributions show that rural journalism is not only about farming but about culture, food, tourism, and community resilience. As more women bring their perspectives to this field, audiences gain richer, more nuanced portrayals of rural Scotland.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Rosie Morton’s career trajectory suggests she will continue to play a significant role in both print and broadcast media. With her ability to bridge traditional journalism and modern broadcasting, she is well positioned to expand her influence further.
Potential areas for growth could include writing books on Scottish food and travel, hosting dedicated food programmes, or even taking part in international media projects that highlight Scotland on the global stage. Her combination of editorial expertise, broadcasting skill, and passion for storytelling makes these prospects realistic.
Conclusion
Rosie Morton is more than a television presenter; she is a storyteller whose work celebrates Scotland’s landscapes, people, and traditions. From her beginnings as a journalist at Scottish Field to her current role as a presenter on BBC Scotland’s Landward, she has demonstrated an enduring passion for authentic storytelling.
Her editorial achievements, broadcasting style, and focus on community have established her as a distinctive voice in modern Scottish media. Whether guiding readers to a hidden restaurant in Aberdeenshire, walking viewers through a spring woodland, or interviewing a farmer about sustainability, Morton’s work is infused with warmth, curiosity, and respect.
