COMMUNITY radio station Radio Saltire has launched a bid to raise more than £8,000 to allow it to upgrade equipment and fund its move to broadcast on FM.

The station, which is based in Tranent, was recently awarded the right to broadcast on FM in East Lothian and is now getting ready to launch itself on the new platform.

Davie Martin from the station, which is a not-for-profit charity run by volunteers of all ages, said he is taking a step back from other charitable commitments temporarily to focus on the campaign.

Mr Martin, who is a well-known supporter of charity and fundraising events in East Lothian, announced the move last week as a Crowdfunding page was launched to support the arrival of Radio Saltire FM.

Mr Martin said: “Radio Saltire FM will soon be available in homes and cars throughout East Lothian.

“But all of this comes at a cost and so we urgently need to raise money so that we can continue serving our community.

“For my part I intend do my very best to achieve this important goal in the interests of our volunteers and our community.

“In order to concentrate fully on this objective – not to mention the work involved in getting the station ready for the big FM launch I will – temporarily – be unable to get involved in any other events.

“I will of course honour those events I have already committed myself to – they are already in my busy schedule.

“It’s not in my nature to turn down requests for help from people in need – so apologies in advance to those who were hoping to have my help in the near future.

“That said, I will always be there to give advice on running events etc if required. It’s the physical support I can’t commit to for now.”

Mr Martin thanked those who had already donated towards the project and said he would be back supporting local events and projects once the station had reached its target and launched.

He said: “If you would like to organise any kind of fundraising event to help meet our financial target, please contact me to discuss. I can assure you that any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.

“Radio Saltire is a community radio station run by people who genuinely have the interests of that community at heart.

“Please help if you can.”

To support Radio Saltire, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/radio-saltireonfm

The station also has a section at radiosaltire.com where payments can be made via PayPal, reference RSFM.