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The Isle of Skye, located off the north west coast of Scotland and covering 670 square miles, is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides. The nine thousand or so islanders enjoy a rural lifestyle within the finest environment in Europe. 

With a spectacular coastline and many picturesque lochs mirroring her mountains, Skye has largely escaped the less pleasant intrusions of the twentieth century. However, residents, and Skye's many visitors, enjoy all the benefits of modern living.

Well almost … ... because most places in this day and age are able to listen to local news, music and discussion on the radio - not so the Isle of Skye. 

Until now, the only channels regularly available on the dials of Skye's radio sets have been the offerings from the UK national broadcaster, the BBC.

The Hebridean Islands are the last bastion of the Gaelic language in Scotland and it is the first language of many of the islanders. As such Gaelic is in daily use in many homes and businesses in the region. 

The language is taught to new generations of islanders in Gaelic medium classes in Skye's schools and, for the many non-Gaels residing on the islands, there are evening classes and workshops that teach the language at every level. 

Skye is fortunate in that Sabhal Mor Ostaig, the Gaelic further education college of the University of the Highlands and Islands, is located on the island. This resource has been eagerly embraced by Skye's residents who can further their knowledge of their native tongue and it's many literary figures, on the Sabhal Mor Ostaig campus.
At Cuillin FM we are very fortunate to have Gaelic presenters who can fulfil our quota of Gaelic programming output. However, we are always on the look out for more Gaelic presenters in order that we can increase the amount of pure Gaelic in our schedule.
From RSLs at the Aros Centre, to a leaking portacabin in a building site, to a brand new purpose built studio, Cuillin FM has come on leaps and bounds through the years. This has only happened thanks to the dedication of volunteers who have given much of their time to the development of Skye and Lochalsh's community radio station.

Broadcasting mainly to the Portree area for the first three years, the station has now moved on to cover 98% of the island plus parts of the mainland, thanks to the addition of a new mast and transmitter. Our station has 2 studios and can handle all modern recording techniques, editing and broadcasting. We currently have approx. 40 volunteers who present radio programmes or work behind the scenes and are always looking for new blood, especially young people who will bring an added dimension to the local scene.

We work very closely with other community stations in the Highlands and, of course, there would be no Cuillin FM if it were not for the funding we have received over the years from people such as:

     
 

There are many people who should be thanked for getting the radio station on its feet and making sure that Cuillin FM became less of a pipe dream and more of a reality. It would be absolutely impossible to name everyone involved but there is a plaque in the foyer at the radio station which contains the following names:

 

Allan MacDonald

 
 
Cailean MacLean
 
 
Chrisanne MacDonald
 
 
Dave Roberts
 
 
Donald MacKillop Associates
 
 
Job Centre
 
 
Mike Dinnes
 
 
Murdo MacSween
 
 
Neil MacLeod - HICBF
 
 
Neil (McBeat) Campbell
 
 
Rupert Allison
 
 
SLCVO
  
 
 
 
FUNDERS:*
  
 
Community Fund : £82,865
 
 
Leader + : £50,000
 
 
CED : £10,000
 
 
SALE : £5,000
 
 
Highland Council : £2,125
 
* These refer to the initial funders - there have, of course, been more funders and funding obtained for the studio since the initial set-up period.

It goes without saying that a large THANK YOU goes to all those who have been involved with Cuillin FM in any way, shape or form through the years - without each and every one of you the radio station would not be what it is today.

Cuillin FM relies heavily on funding and donations to keep it on air. If you would like to make a donation, no matter how large or small, please click on the donation button to the right, it would be greatly appreciated