Commenting ahead of Digital UK's switchover countdown in the North and Central TV regions Liberal Democrat Culture spokesperson Iain Smith MSP has welcomed the launch but raised concerns that not all licence payers in these areas will benefit equally from the switchover.

Commenting, Mr Smith said:

"The digital switchover is a positive development for television in Scotland.

"It is, however, unacceptable that those who receive their signal through relay transmitters will not receive the full range of digital and freeview programmes. Licence payers should all receive the same level of service.

"Ofcom must ensure that all relay transmitters in Scotland are capable of transmitting the full range of freeview channels by the 2010 and 2011 launch dates."