SoundTown launches at Kelso High School

Wednesday, September 20 2006

BBC Radio Scotland's SoundTown studio officially opened in Kelso High School on 12 September.

A fully-functioning BBC radio studio has been built in the school, which will now become a focus for a range of activities involving all areas of the BBC.

Radio shows, including Fred MacAulay's morning programme ‘MacAulay & Co’,will be broadcast from the school, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra will work with the music department and there will be a wide range of broadcasting opportunities for pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community.

Kelso High School's headteacher, Charlie Robertson, went live on air with MacAulay & Co yesterday to officially open the studio. He said, "Since being told that we were chosen as the next SoundTown for BBC Scotland, the whole school has been very excited. The experience gained during this year will bring lasting benefits to the school and the town, and are all greatly looking forward to an exciting, challenging and very educational year as BBC Radio Scotland’s SoundTown for 2006-07.”

Education spokesman Councillor Andrew Farquhar said at the opening, “I am truly delighted that Kelso High School has been given this excellent opportunity. It is great for Kelso and will really put the town on the map. There is a lot happening in schools in the Borders and this opens up a window of opportunities for youngsters to get involved in Radio and the media. With BBC Radio Scotland’s facility in Selkirk combined with the SoundTown here at Kelso, this will certainly allow the BBC to make many more programmes in the Borders this year and next.”

The SoundTown project was launched three years ago at Doon Academy in Dalmellinton, and then moved to Grangemouth High School. From 2005 to this year, the project was based at Elgin High School in Moray.

Pupils in these schools have learned media skills as well as being given the opportunity to broadcast regularly on Radio Scotland.
Kelso High School was named as the host of the 006-07 SoundTown project in June after being selected from a shortlist of three Borders schools.
Peebles High School and Earlston High School also made it to the final stage of selection, after all schools in the area were given the chance to apply.

Reference: News-17603, Contact the Author