A TRANENT-BASED online radio station is hoping its audience numbers will rocket as it makes the move to FM this weekend.

Radio Saltire will raise the FM flag from its studios on Civic Square when it takes to the airwaves at 8am on Sunday.

Trustees at the community radio station, which already attracts about 4,000 listeners a day as an online station, are confident the FM station will attract about five times that amount.

Iain Swanston, programme controller, said: “At Radio Saltire, we aim to raise standards to a new level. Interest in the station’s move to FM has been tremendous and the support from MSPs, the local councillors, businesses and the community has been amazing.”

The station has been broadcasting 24/7 since 2011. Earlier this year it was granted a licence to broadcast on FM, which it is hoped will help it attract more than 20,000 listeners on 106.7 and 107.2FM.

Mr Swanston added: “The new FM station will offer a wide range of programmes.

“We aim to be the ‘Voice of East Lothian’.

“Shows will cover a host of popular music genres with local news, information and features.

“We will have a wide variety of special interest programmes and encourage the local people and community groups to get involved as well as being a platform for unsigned local bands, singers and artists.”

The station will play host to more than 30 volunteer presenters throughout the week and will continue to broadcast 24 hours a day.

Mr Swanston thanked everyone for their support.

He added: “The support for Radio Saltire from the people of East Lothian has been absolutely tremendous and we are confident that we will provide a community radio station that will be at the heart of the community.”

East Lothian will now have two locally based stations on FM as Haddington-based East Coast FM broadcasts on 107.6.