THE OFFSHORE CHUNK

Radio Scotland 

Frequency 242 metres (am)

Location: Comet, an ex-Irish lightship off Dunbar Scotland 

On air dates: January 1966 - June 1967

"Stay tuned in on 242 .....Radio Scotland Calling You" 

 It is incredible to think that although the station was reported to be having problems at times reaching its intended audience in Scotland.  I read about it in a paper just before it started transmissions, and to my surprise picked it up quite easily in North West London in the evenings, courtesy of sky wave with occasional fades.   

On board were some talented young broadcasters, under the enthusiastic guidance of the managing director Tommy Shields.  Bob Spencer, Alan Black, Stuart Henry, Tony Meehan, Tony Allan, Jack McClaughlin, Mel Howard, Ben Healy and Drew Hamlyn were the team of enthusiastic broadcasters.   Alan Black and Stuart Henry went on to Radio 1.  Tony Allan was on RNI, Caroline and the Voice of Peace.  I also remember Peter Bowman - who broadcast sometimes under the guise of "Boots Bowman".  Mark Wesley was also on board, and late popped up on RNI and then Luxembourg.

They used to advertise their club the “242 Clan” regularly on air.  It is reported that the Beatles were among the members, mind you the station could have conveniently bestowed this honour on them. 

The station definitely had a good strong Scottish presentation style, but the music was pop. Jack Mclaughlin did Ceiligh music, and there were other specialist music programmes as well. 

A great little radio station which stayed afloat in mountainous seas, especially when it re-located on the West Coast of Scotland to improve reception.

 Picture courtesy Offshore Radio Site  Schedule from Showbeat Magazine.  Copyright Wireless Waffle Website