Radio Orkney

BBC Radio Orkney went on air in May 1977. It is the county’s community station, broadcasting half an hour of local news and features weekday mornings, with a lunchtime news update. The Friday Request programme runs year round, other local programmes broadcast from six till seven weeknights during the autumn and winter. The building, Commercial Union House, used to be a bank, and the safe is still there in reception (but it’s empty). Upstairs the main broadcast studio features a mixing desk that once was used by the super-star DJs of wonderful Radio One. The station also has a small contribution point for use by other parts of the BBC when the main studio is busy. For some complicated reason, that’s known as Studio 7.

Open on Saturday 21st September 10-12 noon and then 2-4pm.

There is no public parking at the venue but there is a small council pay and display car park on Broad Street (just a few meters away). Radio Orkney is less than a hundred meters from the Travel Centre.

Downstairs is fully accessible, but the broadcast studio and production office are upstairs with no lift access.

Guided tours on the hour.