The station first started broadcasting in 1986, assuming their current form in 1997 after being mothballed in 1993. Over the years has developed the range of programmes and become an important feature of life in Keith and beyond.
As well as providing entertainment, KCR actively promotes local information, events and groups.
A significant part of its output is in the Doric and the local heritage and music is an important part of the programming. There are approximately 60 presenters with many more volunteers helping in a variety of roles.
KCR are one of just 232 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, highlights all the ways in which fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.
Hailing the award, KCR chairman James Wiseman said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Keith Community Radio has proven worthy of the King's Award for Voluntary Service!
“Our volunteer crew of presenters and helpers behind the scenes do great work entertaining and informing listeners in the community around us and they also pass on their skills and raise funds to run KCR.
“We have a great time doing all this and I am pleased for everyone at KCR that our work has been recognised in this very significant way.”
Adeline Reid MBE, from Keith, is an avid follower and nominated KCR for the award.
She explained: “The station has risen from small beginnings and all this has been achieved by their amazing band of volunteers.
“It’s no mean feat to run a radio station, catering for all tastes and KCR gives me a great sense of pride as a listener.”
Representatives from KCR will receive the award crystal and certificate from Andrew Simpson, Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire later this winter. In addition, two volunteers from the group will attend the garden party at Holyrood House, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
Congratulating KCR, Mr Simpson said: “This is an outstanding achievement and recognises the hard work and creative vision of all the volunteers at KCR.
“This is welcome recognition for all they do for our community and the lives of so many people.
“We are very grateful to them and to all who give of their time to volunteer.”
KCR broadcasts across the whole of Moray on 107.7FM and worldwide online at www.kcr.fm 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
Run entirely by more than 70 volunteers, ranging from age 10 to over 80, there are currently 65 regular programmes with something to suit every listener’s taste - a wide range of all types of music and dialogue shows.
To find out more about KCR, visit their website at https://kcr.fm/
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Following his accession, His Majesty the King announced his desire to continue the award. More information on the recipients, the award and how to nominate can be found at https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/ to nominate are available at https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/ for the 2026 award are now open.
By Alan Beresford - alan.beresford@hnmedia.co.uk
