COMMUNITY radio listeners in Ullapool, in the north-west of Scotland, are being served content from a neighbouring station.
Output on Lochbroom FM is now being delivered by Gairloch-based Two Lochs Radio.
The move – approved by broadcasting regulators, Ofcom – coincides with Two Lochs Radio preparing for its ninth birthday.
It is understood it’s not for a lack of volunteers at Lochbroom FM that the move has come about; indeed, an internet radio version of the station is still operating. Instead, it’s believed to be the financial costs of maintaining and upgrading the necessary technology, such as a transmitter.
A media statement issued by Two Lochs Radio quotes Lochbroom chair, Fran Harrison, as saying: “In order to provide the local radio service we feel the community needs during the winter months we are linking with Two Loch Radio to share their broadcasts. This means listeners in the Ullapool and Coigach area will be able to tune in to 102.2 or 96.8 FM and hear local news, weather and road conditions as well as all the other programmes produced by Two Lochs Radio.”
And the statement further quotes Two Lochs Radio chair, Alex Gray, as saying: “ We are very pleased to be working with our neighbouring community radio station , Lochbroom FM, to develop the best local radio service that we can for the residents, visitors and businesses across Wester Ross.”
