A community radio station in Lanarkshire has unveiled its brand new studio named after one of their volunteers who sadly died last year.
The poignant gesture is in memory of Radio Lanarkshire's Ricky Martin, who was a key figure in establishing the station which has now been running for over four years.
His family attended the official opening last week along with local MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Christina McKelvie, and manger of business group Hamilton Our Town Malcolm Thomas-Harley.
Based in Hamilton, Radio Lanarkshire has been working on refurbishing their premises' office and studio in Townhead Street.
The new studio has been named the Ricky Martin Media Suite in his honour.
The community radio station has proved a popular feature across the region in recent years, averaging between 18,000 and 20,000 listeners every month.
It is run by volunteers who have built the organisation into the local hub that it is today.
Ricky was a key figure in the establishment of Radio Lanarkshire and sadly passed away on December 3 last year.
Ms McKelvie and Ricky’s family cut the ribbon to officially open the new studio which will be the home for local shows like the breakfast show, drivetime, 60s/70s classics, and much more.
Commenting Christina McKelvie MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse told Lanarkshire Live: “I was delighted to take part in the opening of the new office and studio for Radio Lanarkshire.
"These new facilities will make it much easier for the volunteer team to continue to provide their fantastic shows to residents across Lanarkshire.
“Having a radio station that has a strong local focus in both its coverage of news and design of its shows is invaluable for the local community.
"I look forward to working with the team to support Radio Lanarkshire as it goes from strength to strength.”
Richard Clewes, chairman of the station, added: “I am extremely grateful for all the work of our volunteers that has helped us to reach this point.
"Being able to officially open the newly refurbished office and particularly the Ricky Martin Media Suite marks a new chapter for Radio Lanarkshire.
“We are excited to build on our success while continuing to deliver high-quality radio shows with a strong Lanarkshire focus.
"Here in Radio Lanarkshire we love local and we love radio – and that will continue to be at the heart of everything we do.”
And also showing his support for the project Malcolm of Hamilton Our Town said: “I know how hard the team at Radio Lanarkshire have worked to create such fantastic facilities.
"They are a great example of an organisation ran by the community for the community, providing a voice for the town centre and beyond.
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and indeed working with the team at our town centre events including the 2021 light switch on and markets and I’m always greatly impressed by their absolute dedication and energy.
"I wish them lots of success for the year ahead and look forward to a continued partnership in town.”
You can see the weekly schedule of shows and tune in on their website.
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