A community station in Peterhead will take a leap into the big-time later this month as it begins broadcasting on FM radio.
Following years of preparations and the recent award of a full time licence, Buchan Radio will become a 24-hour service with presenters live on air for the majority of the day.
In December, management at the not-for-profit organisation found out they would be able to broadcast over FM networks.
Listeners will now find shows by tuning-in to 107.9FM, although the station will also continue online.
Owner and managing director Johnny Cropley said he was delighted to see his teenage dreams finally come true for the station.
He said: “People have suggested it would never happen but now we’re ready to move on to FM.
“It has been a lot of work over the years and took quite a while to get to this stage.”
Launched in 2013, Peterhead’s station has gone from strength-to-strength since relocating 18 months ago to 52 Broad Street, where it now boasts two fully-equipped studios.
Breakfast show presenter and station manager Ronnie Arthur said: “We’ve around 14 volunteers and are used to our online listeners but now we will be in cars and it’s bigger and better.
“Our community aspect is what keeps us going – we run from fundraising, sponsorship and support from the local community so with this move we’re hoping to get involved with more too.
“Another big thing for us was the closure of NECR. We bought a lot of their CDs so we’re going to be doing country music too and really cater for all music tastes.
“To start we think Buchan Radio may reach Ellon but we’re hoping in the future to get a transmitter to get to Inverurie and possibly move to DAB.
“But we’re taking small steps first.”
Local presenters will be live on air Monday to Thursday from 7am to 11pm, Fridays from 7am to midnight, Saturday 8am to midnight and Sunday 9am to 10pm.
Regular host Garry Buchan presents his show North-east Unleashed to showcase local bands.
He said: “Anyone who wants to get involved should get in touch as we can record here and get the music out.
“The local band show means I can get them interviewed and put out live performances too.”
To volunteer and get involved at Buchan Radio, call 01779 238009 or email mail@bcrfm.com.
