A familiar face is set to return to streets of Shieldinch after a decade away - to play a brand new character.

Barbara Rafferty returns to BBC Scotland's much-loved drama to play Bernie O'Hara who is set to stir up trouble.

The new role sees Barbara play the eldest daughter of Molly (Una McLean), sister of Scarlett (Sally Howitt) and Theresa (Maureen Carr) and auntie to Bob (Stephen Purdon).

The actress, who first appeared in River City as Shirley Henderson between 2006-2008, said she is thrilled to be back as a new character.

She said: “I’m really excited about returning and looking forward to wandering the streets of Shieldinch again after all these years.

Glasgow Times:

"I see Bernie as a cross between Wyatt Earp and Calamity Jane with a Glaswegian twist, of course. Going back to River City is a joy. It’s like a family down there with an amazing production team and I feel instantly at home already.”

Kieran Hannigan, Executive Producer for BBC Studios, added: “Barbara is one of Scotland’s finest actors and ten years feels like a long enough hiatus for her to be away from Shieldinch. Bernie is such a different character from her previous River City incarnation, it just felt like the time was right. Besides, if Doctor Who can cast Pete Capaldi twice then so can we.

“Barbara will brilliantly portray the Glasgow mix of amazing banter, inner steel and heart and soul which embodies Bernie O’Hara. We’re thrilled to have her back.”

Other new faces joining River City in the coming weeks include Kevin Mains (Outlander, The Outlaw King), Alison Peebles (Shetland, Psychos) and Jimmy Chisholm (The Angel’s Share, Mountain Goats).

Kevin takes on the role of Logan Caplan, cousin of Angus Lindsay (played by Scott Fletcher) and brother of policeman, Lou Caplan (Lesley Hart). A chef, Logan’s good looks and charm often land him in hot water. Jimmy Chisholm joins the drama in late 2018 as Logan and Lou’s dad, Sonny Caplan.

Alison Peebles will play Isobel MacKenzie, mother of Kim Monroe (Frances Thorburn) in a storyline which explores the reality of dealing with a parent suffering from dementia.

Also making a return to River City is Holly Jack who reprises her role as Nicole Brodie.

Having left Shieldinch in 2014 for a new life in Aberdeen with her baby daughter, Nicole is back with a bang in episodes which air in October.

Tom Urie also makes a one-off appearance in a future episode when the not-so-Big-Bob goes back home to Shieldinch.

Having shed over 19 stone, Bob returns for an O’Hara family gathering which tests family ties to the limits.

Making their River City debuts are newcomers Lindsay Campbell and Zindi Hudson. Lindsay will play Poppy Paterson, Dougie’s daughter (Stewart Porter) while Zindi is Ruby McLean, Caitlin’s eldest daughter (Gayle Telfer Stevens).

Bringing together new and familiar faces to River City is wonderful news, says Kieran: “I’m delighted with the acting talent we’re welcoming to River City who’ll compliment our amazing core cast. Barbara Rafferty and Jimmy Chisholm are acting royalty and Kevin Mains is stand-out brilliant.

“In Lindsay Campbell and Zindzi Hudson we have two of the brightest rising stars and, of course, the amazing Holly Jack is coming back as the fiery Nicole Brodie and there’s a special appearance from the much-loved Tom Urie. Exciting times ahead for River City."