Alistair Smith

I always had in interested in radio by being inquisitive as to how things worked on air and how different sounds could merge together to create a radio show.  I remember my Dad taking me to the Radio 1 Roadshow when we were on holiday in Clacton-on-Sea. That’s when Radio 1 had a huge following, long before the days of local and community radio.

I started volunteering with my local Hospital Radio Station and learnt how radio worked. We were good, without sounding too self congratulatory, and won many awards at the National Hospital Radio Awards, never forgetting that it was all about the listener and never the station.

I worked in commercial radio, writing and producing adverts, presenting, producing live shows. I have held positions of Commercial Production Manager, Programme Controller and Station Manager and now I am a judge for the Community Radio Awards.  Now it’s time to give something back and I was delighted to be asked to help implement the new playout system at Radio Skye and spent time with the team  training them in the new ways.

I found out that my five times Great Grandad was born in Carbost in the late 1700s and the family moved to Portree in 1800s, so I really feel a sense on belonging. I was delighted when Suzy asked if I would like to present a show on Radio Skye, so here I am.

Musically I like many types of music, you will get to know that the Electric Light Orchestra are one of my favourites. Away from music I like being in the garden, I’m becoming an bit more green fingered and I love a bit of cooking too. Music is so powerful and I remember asking my Granny, why she listened to the radio, she replied “for the company”. So enjoy the music and let’s keep each other company.