Transmitter Coverage
Television coverage in the Scottish Borders is provided by the main transmitter at Lindean Moor, just east of Selkirk. It
is known as the Selkirk Transmitter. The signal is then sent to several low powered transmitters, that boost the signal around
the region. Each of the lower transmitter use a seperate frequency range to avoid interference. These low powered transmitters
are based at:
- Bonchester Bridge,
- Clovenfords,
- Eyemouth,
- Galashiels,
- Hawick,
- Innerleithen,
- Jedburgh,
- Lauder,
- Peebles,
- Stow, and
- Yetholm.
The Selkirk Transmitter television set tuning frequencies for each transmitter (and all channels) can be obtained from the BBC.
The Selkirk transmitter started to broadcast on 1st of December, 1961 shortly after Border Television started to broadcast
using the Caldbeck transmitter on the 1st of September (the Caldbeck transmitter - located in England could reach as far as
Selkirk). The mast was built on Lindean Moor, 944 ft above sea level and is 750 ft tall. It was the first unattended remote-controlled
satellite station. Border Television was the 11th region to start broadcasting, and produced the infamous 'Mr and Mrs' gameshow.
Although the main Selkirk transmitter can broadcast Channel 5 and Freeview, none of the low powered transmitters can relay signal (upgrading work has been completed as far as the engineers are concerned and this situation is unlikey to change). You can check Freeview availability in your area using your postcode on the Freeview website. It is an unwritten 'rule' that if you can get Freeview, you can get Channel 5. It should also be possible to get Channel 5 everywhere in the Borders using an amplified hi-gain aerial.
Berwick-upon-Tweed has its BBC signal relayed from the Chatton Transmitter which serves the North-East of England - and can therefore get English based BBC NorthEast. ITV and Channel 4 are relayed from the Selkirk transmitter - so Berwick-Upon Tweed should (theoretically) get Tyne-Tees and Border television.
The Chatton Transmitter television set tuning frequencies for each transmitter (and all channels) can be obtained from the BBC.
Locations of the edge of the region may also pick up broadcasts from the Black Hill transmitter intended to supply the Edinburgh - Glasgow areas - providing STV coverage.
Additionally, locations on the coast should also be able to pick up Grampian Television.
There is an additional transmitter based at Ashkirk, about 4 miles south of Selkirk. It is currently used only to broadcast BBC Radio stations (indepedent stations use the Selkirk Transmitter). Historically it was used to broadcast old 405 line black and white television signals, from 1963 'til 1985.
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