A MUCH-LOVED radio station in Millport has closed its studio due to rising costs.

Earlier this month Radio Millport announced that it would no longer broadcast from the studio at the West Lodge at the Garrison. 

We previously reported in May this year that the island station had moved to a brand new downsized studio to help save money that can be invested in state-of-the-art equipment.

But the organisation has now announced that it will be continuing its broadcasts with presenters at home instead of in the studio.

Despite running for over six years, the station had been off air throughout the pandemic - but made a return last year, to the delight of islanders and those on the mainland able to pick up the signal.

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In a statement online, a spokesperson for the station said: "It is with heavy hearts that the committee from Radio Millport announces the closure of our physical studio at the West Lodge on October 31.

"Radio Millport will continue to broadcast online with presenters broadcasting from home rather than at the studio in the Garrison.

"During the Covid-19 pandemic to protect our team, we allowed for home broadcasting, this took away the need to physically attend the studio to do our shows and we never really returned back to the old normal.

"Moving forward, by vacating the studio we free up finances to continue for a few more years. 

"This is not a full closure, just a closure of our physical studio. Radio shows will continue to go ahead as normal.

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"The studio has brought many people together with lots of laughs, some cries and some long-lasting friendships, but most of all some amazing memories.

"The sad truth is the times move forward and so do we. You will still be able to listen 24/7 and catch our live shows. The only difference will be that the shows are coming from the presenters' homes.

"It isn't the end, just another chapter in our ever-growing book.

"The Radio Millport Committee would like to thank Jan Wilkie at Garrison House and all the board from start till finish for their continued support of Cumbrae Community Radio when we launched to Radio Millport.

"The Millport online radio experience it is today without them there wouldn't even have been a radio station.

"We also would like to thank all the local businesses who have supported us throughout the last six years. Whether it was change collection tins or sponsorship.

"Without that income, we could easily have ended much sooner.

"Most of all we want to thank anyone who has ever tuned in to the station as there is no radio without its listeners. We hope you will all continue to join us even with the changes.

"It is never goodbye, just see you later!"

For more information find Radio Millport on Facebook, or at www.radiomillport.co.uk.