A RENFREWSHIRE businessman has been honoured for his efforts in setting up a community radio station in Glasgow.
Bob McWilliam, who started up Celtic Music Radio, which went on air earlier this year and is also broadcast online around the world, received an award for best social enterprise start-up at a celebration of the 15th anniversary of DSL business financ
e, which backed his venture.
Bob, who lives in Inchinnan, told The Extra: "We received £500 at the ceremony which is another little boost to the station (based at Strathclyde university).
"We are delighted to receive this award. Celtic Music radio was launched in January with a loan from DSL in order to give Scottish culture, music, artists and performers who have difficulty breaking into established radio an opportunity to reach a worldwide audience.
"Apart from Glasgow area listeners on 1530AM, we have a growing number of listeners as far away as the USA and Australia who listen online regularly."
He added: "We are also committed to broadcasting on other digital platforms and supporting new musical and artistic talent.
"We will be broadcasting live from the Merchant city festival next week, showcasing new singers and bands.
"Although we are run by volunteers, we are committed to passing on our broadcasting and business skills so we provide training for music, media and creative industry students."
The celebration at Glasgow's Trades Hall was attended by deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon, who praised DSL's success over the years.
She said: "I am delighted to join DSL to celebrate 15 years of superb work helping small and start-up companies.
"Its track record speaks for itself. DSL have helped hundreds of businesses that might otherwise have had nowhere else to turn which makes it an invaluable resource."
DSL's general manager Eunice Lancaster added: "Our research shows that investing in small businesses and social enterprises creates real jobs and real investment in communities which need it most."
