Support to save Scottish show starts to swell

An MSP has joined thousands of fans and musicians in showing her support for threatened BBC radio programme 'Introducing in Scotland'. 

Joan McAlpine, MSP for the south of Scotland, joined calls to save the two hour Radio 1 show – hosted by Stirling University graduate, Ally McCrae, and which focuses on showcasing new and unsigned Scottish acts – from the axe as part of Corporation plans.

The plan is to replace the existing ‘Introducing’ shows dedicated to each nation with one single segment featuring a selection of new artists from across the UK as a whole, in turn, drastically reducing the output from each region.

In a motion to the Scottish Parliament calling for support of a petition to save the show, which has already claimed around 6,000 names, Ms McAlpine, a member of the Education and Culture Committee, said: "I'm pleading with the BBC bosses not to silence the sound of young Scotland.

"Introducing in Scotland has blazed a trail for our cutting edge bands and solo acts thanks to the enthusiasm of both Ally McCrae and the previous presenter Vic Galloway. If future generations are going to enjoy the same success they need a break and Introducing in Scotland is a great platform. Scotland has always punched above its weight when it comes to great pop music and having a vibrant scene depends on shows like this. 

She added: "A popular campaign saved Six Music. Let's hope the BBC bosses listen to the Scottish public as well.

"Scotland contributes £300m to the BBC license fee and gets only a small proportion back to promote and develop our own talent. The cost of saving 'Introducing in Scotland' is miniscule in comparison to the salaries being paid to London executives and presenters. It's time the BBC paid more attention to Scotland's integrity as a nation with its own distinct culture – and that includes its unique brand of contemporary music."

For over a decade, in its many different forms, Scotland’s own nation-specific Radio 1 slot has went to extraordinary lengths to give young artists across the country the rare chance to be heard on a national scale.

Under the enthusiastic guidance of Galloway and thereafter McCrae, many of these acts have moved on to achieve great things, from the likes of Idlewild, Biffy Clyro, Franz Ferdinand and Frightened Rabbit.

Ronald Gurr, director at CCW Long Play and an industry expert with swathes of experience in the Scottish music business also recently came out to voice his support. "This will make it even harder for new artists to build an audience," he said. "Every songwriter and every new band is a vital element in Scotland's creative industries.

"Radio shows such as 'Introducing in Scotland' is a vital part of the BBC's public service remit. Bands from Stornoway, Aberdeen and Dumfries need to be able to showcase on their own back doorstep, without this opportunity we will see less Scottish talent being successful."

The public have until December 21 to voice their opinions to the Corporation with a petition to save the show currently online at http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/introducingscotland.