BROADCASTER James Naughtie has been given a key role in the BBC's coverage of next year's independence referendum.

The Scot will co-present Good Morning Scotland, BBC Radio Scotland's flagship news programme, two days a week from the autumn.

He will also become BBC Radio 4's chief reporter on the referendum, producing special documentaries and hosting debates from around Scotland for the UK-wide network.

He will continue as a member of the Today programme's presenting team on Radio 4 and return to the show full-time after the referendum.

Meanwhile, Mishal Husain will join the Today presenting team as Mr Naughtie takes on his referendum role. Ms Husain presents Sunday's BBC News at Ten.

The move, announced by BBC Director General Tony Hall, is part of a £5 million boost to the corporation's coverage of the historic vote, which also includes the appointment of a referendum editor to oversee special programmes.

Aberdeenshire-born Naughtie, 61, has presented Today since 1994. He said: "The constitutional debate and the decision next year have great historic importance for Scotland and the whole of the UK, so I am excited to be in the thick of it, on both sides of the border, from start to finish.

"This is one of the great stories of our time and I'm delighted to be so involved in it."

Ken MacQuarrie, Director of BBC Scotland, said: "The referendum story is of huge significance and I'm delighted James will be contributing to our coverage of it as part of the Good Morning Scotland presenting team."

Mr Hall said: "The referendum will be one of the biggest news stories next year."

In addition to a referendum editor, BBC Scotland is to appoint a production manager and three online Scottish political reporters. A team of 15 trainee reporters will also work for the specially-created referendum unit at the corporation's Glasgow headquarters.

The move comes after MSPs raised concerns that cuts to BBC Scotland's budget would affect its ability to cover the referendum.