Ronnie Cowan MP takes to airwaves for DJ radio debut

Ronnie Cowan was in the hotseat for Port Glasgow-based volunteer channel, Clyde Coast Radio, in a show that may become a regular feature on the station.

The SNP MP survived a gaffe with a Johnny Cash number - when he played a random alternative track after a big build-up for the 'incomparable' music legend - but regained control to play his favourite country singer's Sunday Morning Coming Down song immediately after.

The SNP MP shrugged off the incident as a 'technical hitch' live on air and carried on as he treated listeners to tracks from artists such as Steely Dan and Dean Martin.

Clyde Coast Radio is an internet-based charity channel and is building up a strong line-up of volunteer presenters.

It boasts over 1,200 listeners from as far afield as France, New Zealand and Canada.

Mr Cowan says he is full of praise for founder and presenter, ex-soldier George Coyle, and his team for giving a voice to people in Inverclyde.

The station used a £10,000 National Lottery grant to set up the studio and reception area at the Trust, Port Glasgow Business and Training Centre.

Mr Cowan said: "It was my pleasure to take to the airwaves for Clyde Coast Radio and despite a couple of hiccups at the start, I'm planning to be back to play more music.

"It has been a lifelong ambition of mine, but more importantly the radio station gives a lot of people the chance to find to their voice, often in extremely challenging situations.

"To me it is about playing my favourite music after 60 years of listening, but to others it is an exercise in building confidence, being part of a community and finding themselves.

"George and his crew do a magnificent job and whether I am broadcasting or not I shall be doing everything I can to help them continue to fill the airwaves with music and chat."