Doors still open at Oban FM

With more than £50,000 debts to pay, the station is still "really hopeful" that the goodwill of supporters including businesses can keep it on air.

Oban FM chairperson Campbell Cameron said: "We are able to keep the doors open at this point in time but it’s only because of the amazing goodwill we are receiving, particularly from The Rockfield Centre, who have given us a bit of extra time."

The Rockfield Centre, where the station is based in the car park, is Oban FM’s landlord and one of its creditors.

A crisis report on the stations’ dire situation made a number of recommendations to move forward, which included rejigging its business plan or considering liquidation.

An online funding appeal at www.gofundme.com/f/oban-fm-needs-your-help-and-donations is just short of £5,000, Mr Cameron wanted £10,000 in the station’s emergency pot by Monday June 10 to add weight to a meeting with Oban Common Good Fund asking for £10,000 to transition the broadcasting operation into the digital age with an app, train presenters and improve the website. "I’m really hopeful," he said.

Oban FM was at Charities Day at the weekend with its roadshow and aims to be around for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and the Royal National Mòd when they come to town later this year.

Mr Cameron said he had met with a number of business representatives as part of the mission to secure the station’s future who, although "hands have not been shaken yet", were keen to help and were "making all the right noises".

"We are not out of the woods yet but we are starting to see the edge of them and a glimmer of sunshine," he added.