Congratulations to ISLES FM who have been nominated in Trad Music in the media sponsored by Skipinnish in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2014. Vote now!
We asked David Morrison of ISLES FM the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Isles FM is the local community radio station serving the Isle of Lewis (and worldwide via the internet – which affords access by expatriates), the heartland of traditional Scottish and Gaelic music
Its management and broadcasting is done, 100%, on a voluntary basis. Programmes are prepared and broadcast by dedicated volunteers who do it for their love of music, and for the betterment of our community
Isles FM (on the self- same voluntary basis) has broadcast to its listeners for the last 20 years, bringing them an eclectic mix of music (and programming) with major emphasis on traditional and Gaelic music
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
We are in the heartland of traditional Scottish and Gaelic music, culture and tradition, and this type of music is the preference of a substantial proportion of our listenership. It is therefore the cornerstone of our musical ethos, and we wish to share it with as many people as possible.
We are firmly of the belief that our musical offer in the traditional and Gaelic arena, has provided an excellent medium for those who would not otherwise be exposed to these musical styles, and has helped them gain an appreciation of it.
We are committed to doing our bit to keep traditional and Gaelic music, vibrant and current, and believe we have the platform and commitment to do so (Our 20 year – to date – track record is testament to that)
Any particular career highlights?
We have twice in successive years been on the nomination short leet for ‘Radio Station of the Year’ at the Celtic Media awards (Derry and Cardiff)
We were winners of the Thomas Prag Award , which was a station award presented by the Highlands and Islands Community Radio Federation
Annual involvement with, and extensive promotion of, the Heb Celt Festival – Good for the festival, good for us, good for the community, and good for the visitors to the island.
Having one of our (Weekly) flagship programmes – ‘The Celtic Set’ – taken by, and broadcast on, radio stations in Canada
What are your plans for the future?
Develop more promotion of local music, and create a structure whereby artists and bands get regular exposure to the airwaves
Renew our Broadcast Licence (for next 12 years)
Recruit new volunteers – the next generation and future of the station; with emphasis on gaining more Gaelic speaking presenters, and young people
Improve and extend our signal reach, with investment in new equipment and technology
Consolidate, and increase our worldwide (especially to expatriate Scots) listenership.
Strive for continuous improvement in our station output
Read more about ISLES FM
http://www.isles.fm
Buy a ticket for the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 13th December in Inverness Leisure, start time 7pm. You’ll have a great time!