BBC Scotland has told actors and film crew that it is cancelling its soap series River City after more than 20 years.

The drama which began in September 2002 will continue filming for another 12 months before airing its final series in September next year. It follows the network scrapping of daytime soap Doctors and the medical drama Holby City.

The BBC said there had been a significant change in audience behaviour away from long-running series and towards shorter runs.

It said total investment in drama would increase over the next three years with the focus on “world-class productions” that can be sold internationally.

Three new dramas – Counsels, Grams and The Young Team – will create opportunities across the independent TV production sector, said the BBC, adding that total investment in BBC drama from Scotland over the next three years is expected to rise to over £95m.

As well as the new dramas, it said that popular show Granite Harbour will return for a third series as well as Shetland coming back for its 10th series and Vigil for a third.

River City was set in the fictional west of Scotland town of Shieldinch and filmed on a specially built set in Dumbarton.

Launched in September 2002 to an audience of 780,000, it was originally seen as a Scottish competitor to Eastenders and Coronation Street but struggled to draw interest from other parts of the UK. It is said to have an average viewing figure of about 400,000 per episode.

In its early days, the soap attracted stars such as Stefan Dennis, from Neighbours, and Lorraine McIntosh from pop band Deacon Blue.

Simon Webbe from pop band Blue also had a part in the show as well as young Sam Heughan, the actor who would go on to star in hit show Outlander.

Singer Susan Boyle, broadcaster Lorraine Kelly and Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills are among others who have made cameo appearances.

BBC Scotland director Hayley Valentine said: “The team have done a brilliant job and I know they have some big plans for the finale next year.

“But as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland showcasing storytelling across the UK.”

Scottish Labour Culture spokesperson Neil Bibby said: “If this decision goes ahead it is essential that the £9 million budget for the show is ringfenced for the production of Scottish drama to protect the jobs of actors and production crew and provide entertainment for Scottish viewers.”