Oldest community radio station saved from collapse

The UK’s oldest community-owned radio station is to remain on air after a crowdfunding campaign saved it from collapse.

Heartland FM in Pitlochry was facing a financial crisis after coronavirus forced many of the area’s tourism-based businesses to cut back on advertising.

A fundraising target of £25,000 was set to help secure its future and after receiving more than 300 donations of support, the station banked £32,000.

Heartland FM has been broadcasting from Highland Perthshire for almost 30 years, having launched in 1992, and bosses said the fundraising drive meant its connection with the community “had never been stronger”.

Graham Huggins, Heartland FM chairman, said: “We are in place to entertain, inform and engage with everyone who connects with us for the foreseeable future.

“Once businesses can see a way forward we will need their support once again, which will help ensure our longer term future.

“There is a really warm feelgood factor surrounding us all now, which is something we are all very proud of.

“Local radio is a huge asset to any community and that has now been recognised, here in Highland Perthshire, in a very flattering way.”

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