How did you get into broadcasting?
I was the first presenter on my school radio station when I was 15 in 1977. I won a national schools broadcasting competition and television personality Paul Coia presented me with my prize and certificate. He gave me the best advice – to cut my teeth in broadcasting, join a hospital radio service, which I did. I also started a mobile disco, aged 14 with a friend
Random encounter with any celebrity?
I wouldn’t say a random encounter but certainly an unusual one! I recorded a radio interview with Wendy James from Transvision Vamp in her hotel room, just chatting on her hotel bed. To this day I still can’t believe it.
Music preferences?
I have a large vinyl collection. I especially like The Beatles, ELO, Queen, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Eagles, Billy Joel, Blondie, U2, Fleetwood Mac, Kate Bush and Jimmy Buffett
Any surprising facts your listeners may not know about you?
I have a 2nd Brown Belt in Shotokan Karate (next one is Black), but I’m a lover not a fighter.
I run minimum 5km (3 miles) daily, and a member of my local harriers club. I also enjoy cycling.
1st record ever bought?
David Bowie’s ‘The Rise & Fall of Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders from Mars’ . I was only 10 when that album was released, and I still think it was a cool first album for a 10 year old to own.
The “chosen few” choice records…
The Beatles ‘Something’
Billy Joel ‘This Night’
David Bowie ‘Life On Mars’
ELO ‘Strange Magic’
Queen ‘Killer Queen’
U2 ‘Pride’
Any other info
I’m married with one daughter who, after graduating from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, now lives and works in Melbourne, Australia.
I hold a Master of Science Degree. I retired in 2019 age 56, having worked for IBM for 24 years, NHS National Procurement for 3 years and CalMac for 12 years.
I enjoy reading, listening to music, playing guitar (badly), learning harmonica (again badly) and having the time in retirement to present radio programmes and share my love of music.
