Alternative accommodation found for Heartland FM
Station’s future safe as man offers premises
Published:
The future of a popular Perthshire community radio station is assured following a hunt for new premises.
Pitlochry-based Heartland FM had to find a new home after the Atholl Curling Rink, where it previously rented studios, was put up for sale.
At a meeting on Tuesday night it was revealed a local businessman had come to the station’s rescue with alternative accommodation.
Richard Smaile, who runs the Old Mill Inn in the town, has offered the Heartland team a former electricity substation which is currently used for storage.
Mr Smaile was one of several businesspeople in and around Pitlochry who rallied round with offers.
The commercial station, which has been housed at the rink since it began 17 years ago, broadcasts a variety of programmes throughout Highland Perthshire.
Chairman Clive Bridges said a range of options had been considered, from closing the station to building new premises, but Mr Smaile’s offer was the best possible outcome for the team of 30 volunteers.
“It was felt this would be the best plan,” he said. “The move will cost around £30,000 but Perth and Kinross Council has shown a willingness to help and we hope to get a lot of support from local tradespeople with the labour.
“We’ve known about the impending closure for about a year but only recently got it in writing that we had to leave.
“This is really good news.”
Mr Smaile said he was more than happy to help.
He added: “I listen to Heartland quite a lot and it’s always good to find local people contributing to the economy and doing something good for their community too.
“It benefits not just Pitlochry but the whole area and if it’s faced with closure you have to do something. The property was available and I said they could have it if it would continue their success.”
