The director of BBC Scotland has spoken out following claims of bias against Question Time. 

Donalda MacKinnon spoke publicly for the first time since the corporation was engulfed in controversy following the airing of its Motherwell edition of Question Time.

The show was criticised after a former UKIP candidate claimed he was invited onto the show in Motherwell to provide "more balance" to make up a shortage of conservative speakers.

It was his fourth appearance on Question Time in Scotland. 

READ MORE: Failed UKIP candidate claims he was personally invited on to BBC Question Time 

Audience members usually go through a process of applying to be on the show while answering key questions about political affiliations, voting history and if they have been on the programme before.

READ MORE: BBC Question Time faces fresh row over claims it edited SNP retort to former UKIP candidate 

Addressing the recent controversies and long-term accusations of bias, MacKinnon said: “Hopefully, even amongst the most cynical and sceptical, they will see that there is something here for them.”

In an interview with the Guardian, MacKinnon said she wished to convince critics there was no bias or agenda at the BBC.

“It’s an absolute priority for us that audiences have confidence that we’re doing all we can to ensure fairness and balance in our news and current affairs output,” she said.

“I don’t want to talk about individuals but as far as Question Time is concerned there are robust procedures around audience selection and the production team does not invite people to participate.”

She added “That’s a dilemma that the BBC faces all the time, particularly when dealing with major political occasions like the independence referendum and fear of saying the wrong thing.

“We just can’t afford to do it is the truth of the matter. 

READ MORE: National newspapers challenge BBC Question Time over fourth appearance of UKIP candidate 

“We’ve always acknowledged that these are relatively challenging sums of money to deliver the kind of range and breadth of content that we have ambitions to deliver,” she added.

MacKinnon also addressed the new Scottish version of the show titled Debate Night which will air next week.

Donalda MacKinnon said budget constraints mean the show will be hosted from Edinburgh rather than touring the country.

The new BBC Scotland channel will air daily from midday to midnight and will launch on February 24.

This article appeared in our sister paper The National