Sky Sports has announced that Eilidh Barbour will join the broadcaster this summer to front its coverage of the 2019/20 Scottish football season.
A regular face on the BBC and BT Sport in recent years, Barbour, 36, will present live coverage of all 30 Scottish Premiership games on Sky Sports next season, including every Old Firm derby.
She brings a wealth of experience to the role having covered major events including the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Winter Olympics and Masters golf.
Alongside her new role with Sky Sports, Barbour will continue to work for the BBC, presenting and reporting on Football Focus, Final Score and the corporation’s golf coverage, but the presenter confirmed on social media that she will no longer be part of BT Sport’s football coverage.
Commenting on her move to Sky Sports, Barbour said:
“I’m very excited to be part of the Sky Sports team bringing the excitement of the Scottish Premiership to screens across the country.
“It’s a privilege to front something that is so close to my heart. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait for the new season to start.”
Sky Sports’ current SPFL presenter Hayley McQueen will present its coverage of the final two games of the season, including the season finale between Celtic and Hearts, before heading off on maternity leave.
Barbour’s switch comes after Sky Sports beat its rival BT Sport to land exclusive rights to show live Scottish Premiership matches from the 2020/21 season onwards, in a deal worth £26m per season.
Gary Hughes, head of Sky Sports Football added:
“Eilidh is a fantastic broadcaster who has covered Scottish football for a number of years. Her passion for the sport and deep-rooted knowledge of the Scottish game make her a fantastic addition to our team.”
Barbour is expected to present her first game for Sky Sports when the 2019/20 Scottish Premiership season kicks off on August 3. She will also have a key role on the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France this summer.
