A BIG-HEARTED Port Glasgow veteran who lives with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) said he almost lost his beloved radio station before an Inverclyde support service stepped in to bring it back from the brink. 

George Coyle is one of the founders of Clyde Coast Radio, which launched in Inverclyde in 2020. 

The former soldier, who served in the Royal Artillery from 1983 until 1992, teamed up with his wife Elizabeth Dixon, his brother Robert Gilmour, and his friend Alan Mackie to launch the station on the airwaves.

The station received an initial £10,000 cash injection from the National Lottery and support from Inverclyde Community Development Trust to get up and running. 

George and the team are now preparing for the station to 'go digital' and become part of digital audio broadcasting (DAB) choices for listeners. 

But last year was a very challenging time for everyone at Clyde Coast Radio. 

George said: "I had a big blip and had to close the station for three months. 

"I was having real problems with my mental health. 

"There was a whole year where we didn't apply for any grants. 

"We were four months behind on the rent and I was paying for everything myself.

"I thought I was going to lose the place. I had my head in the sand."

(Image: George Munro) George was eventually put in touch with the team at CVS Inverclyde and managed to secure a £10,800 mental health and wellbeing grant which he said helped 'incredibly'. 

He added: "CVS Inverclyde gave us the chance to get back on our feet again and I am so thankful."

The station now welcomes almost 30 volunteers and seven of the presenters are veterans like George. 

He says the young presenters on the show are 'tremendous'. 

The Clyde Coast team have submitted their application for a DAB licence to Ofcom and are eagerly awaiting the green light. 

George added: "It is absolutely fantastic news for us. 

"We will be guaranteed for 95 per cent coverage within Inverclyde, and 85 per cent outwith the area. 

"It's amazing news for a wee community radio station. 

"Three out of four people in Port Glasgow don't know we're here. 

"Going digital will make us much more well-known to people."

READ MORE: Clyde Coast Radio invited Dougie Donnelly into the studio

George and the team recently welcomed legendary broadcaster Dougie Donnelly and will be speaking to music historian and author Elizabeth Sharkey live on air today (Friday).

The determined veteran said he's so happy that 'everything is starting to fall into place again' for the team, and for the listeners. 

(Image: George Munro) George added: "I love what we do and think it's absolutely fantastic. 

"We started the charity to stop loneliness and help people, and help veterans like myself.

"A big part of what we do is getting people out of their homes and into a supportive environment and a safe space for people.

"All of our hard work provides great return."

To access the station visit www.clydecoastradio.co.uk