The co-founder of a Dumbarton-based community radio station paid tribute to its volunteers, as it was nominated for a prestigious Provost’s Award.
Lomond Radio has been shortlisted for the Community/Voluntary Champions Team prize at this year’s showcase, which takes place on October 7 at Clydebank Town Hall.
The station was originally formed in the Spring of 2020 as Leven Lockdown Radio by pals, and radio fanatics, Paul Lucas and Alan Caldwell.
At the time, Paul said: “It’s something that’s been missing, we don’t have a community radio station.
“It’s not about making money, don’t get me wrong, we can always do with donations to help with things like buying a couple of jingles, but nobody is doing this for money.
“It’s all about having fun and giving something back.”
Since then the station has grown and grown, now broadcasting live from state-of-the-art studios in Strathleven House – with thousands of listeners tuning in every week to their packed and varied schedule of shows.
And Alan said that the award nomination was a reward for his team’s tireless work.
He said: “The Lomond Radio team, all 50 of them, are volunteers.
“They are giving their free time to create and produce entertainment shows for the local community to enjoy.
“I am so proud of what they have built and achieved over the last couple of years, especially under such difficult circumstances.
“It would be a marvellous accolade for the massive team effort if we were successful at the awards, but even to be shortlisted is absolutely fantastic and the entire team is extremely grateful for the recognition.
“It’s events like this that confirms we’re on the right road to providing a valuable and much-needed service for our local communities, and it continues to drive us forward to build a lasting legacy from the challenging years of the Covid pandemic.
“We also continue to welcome volunteers from the local community, the studio is open on Wednesday evening from 7pm should anyone like to visit and discuss further. And it’s not all about presenting, there’s plenty of work going on in the background too.”
Alan added: “One of our directors, Phil Briscoe, received a phone call to let us know that we had been shortlisted and that we would be invited to the awards ceremony.
“We also have a media company contacting us to make a short video about Lomond Radio that will be played out at the awards ceremony. It’s all very exciting.”
Lomond Radio have strong competition and are up against Des and Louise McFarlane, who set up Let’s Make a House a Home during the pandemic to help those most in need.
Foster carers Fiona and Leigh Ann Hennebry are also shortlisted for the award after setting up Bags Full of Love to provide children moving into foster care with a backpack full of supplies.
