All set for 24-hour broadcasting in Lochaber

Staff at Nevis Community Radio will soon be sleeping easy in their beds at night thanks to a recent investment in some of the latest radio equipment.

The £5,000 computerised playout scheduling system will be able to offer a complete 24-hour service at the independent radio station which started broadcasting in 1992 with local ski reports. Currently it broadcasts between 7am and midnight on weekdays and 8am until midnight at weekends.

The advanced system will allow programmes consisting of music, interviews, advertising and live news to be pre-programmed, scheduled and then broadcast during the night.

Two portable digital recorders for recording interviews away from the studio are also being purchased, as well as an automatic logging machine which automatically stores transmissions for 42 days to ensure the radio station maintains its legal obligations. All of the equipment is being assisted by Lochaber Enterprise.

Total funding of £3,680 has been approved by the enterprise company with half coming from the European funded Community Economic Development initiative. The Nevis Community Radio Action Group has raised £1,100 themselves towards the project.

Nevis Community Radio Station manager Willie Cameron said: "By broadcasting 24 hours a day, our advertising revenue will be dramatically enhanced. The portable recorders and logging machine will also help improve operational effectiveness and efficiency.

"This all means that the listeners in our broadcast area will receive more access to local news, information and entertainment."

The increased revenue generated by 24-hour broadcasting will help the radio station become fully self sustaining as well as broadcasting an increased number of Gaelic language programmes and news.

Chief executive at Lochaber Enterprise Charlotte Wright said: "Our investment in community assets like these at Nevis Community Radio helps bring a wide range of benefits to the local area and keeps people informed about their local area, its cultural heritage and language. It also proves that community groups as well as businesses can benefit from investing in new technology.

"Nevis Community Radio is itself a pillar of the Lochaber community and this latest development will enable it and its 40 or so volunteers from a cross section of the community enhance and continue the good work it has been doing for the last 15 years."