Scotland’s broadcasting scene got a fresh boost as radio stars Ewen Cameron and Cat Harvey kicked off STV Radio on January 6, 2026. The duo launched the nation’s first national commercial radio station from a modern studio in Glasgow’s Pacific Quay, promising a mix of music, talk, and fun for listeners across the country.
Historic Morning for Scottish Radio
The launch happened at 8 a.m. on a Tuesday, marking a big moment for Scotland’s media world. Ewen and Cat called it an “historic morning” and thanked fans for joining the ride. They started with a special acoustic take on Simple Minds’ 1982 song Promised You a Miracle, sung by KT Tunstall. This choice highlighted the station’s Scottish roots and its aim to bring fresh sounds.
Tunstall joined live from New Mexico and shared her excitement. She praised radio for its human touch, saying it connects people in ways streaming services cannot. The event drew quick buzz, with posts on social media showing fans tuning in right away.
Ewen and Cat have a long history together. They first teamed up years ago on other shows and built a loyal following with their banter and stories. Their return feels like a homecoming for many listeners who missed their energy.
Star Power and Special Guests
The opening show featured big names to set the tone. Deacon Blue’s Ricky Ross stopped by, adding to the festive vibe. Messages poured in from stars like The Proclaimers, Marti Pellow, and Amy Macdonald. Pellow hoped listeners felt the excitement “in their fingers and toes,” while Macdonald joked about the duo getting another radio gig.
These guests show STV Radio’s pull in the music world. Tunstall even pledged to support the station long-term, calling it a key part of music culture.
Fans reacted strongly online. Posts highlighted the thrill of hearing familiar voices again, with many sharing clips of the first moments.
Here are some key highlights from the launch day guests:
- KT Tunstall: Performed the opening song and spoke about radio’s lasting appeal.
- Ricky Ross: Joined for live chat and music insights.
- Amy Macdonald: Sent a fun message wishing the team luck.
- Marti Pellow: Shared upbeat words to energize listeners.
Station Schedule and Music Mix
STV Radio promises variety with its slogan “Never the Same Song All Day Long.” This means less repeat plays and more tracks from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. The lineup includes Scottish presenters from different regions, like Greigsy, Webster, Jodie McCluskey, and Micky Gavin.
Ewen and Cat host breakfast from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. weekdays. The show mixes humor, contests, celeb talks, and live performances. Other slots feature TV faces too, such as Still Game’s Jane McCarry on Saturdays and weather expert Sean Batty with daily updates.
The station builds on recent trends in radio. With streaming on the rise, STV Radio focuses on live, local content to stand out. It launched after months of planning, including a football podcast that will now air live on Saturdays.
| Time Slot | Show Name | Hosts | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-10 a.m. Weekdays | Ewen and Cat at Breakfast | Ewen Cameron and Cat Harvey | Banter, competitions, guests, live music |
| Saturday Mornings | Weekend Show | Jane McCarry (co-host) | Fun segments, celebrity chats |
| Saturday 2-6 p.m. | STV Radio Football Show | Ewen Cameron and Ronnie Charters | Live football talk, phone-ins |
| Sundays | Weekend Vibes | Cat Harvey | Relaxed music and stories |
| Daily | Weather Updates | Sean Batty | Quick forecasts throughout the day |
This schedule aims to cover news, sports, and entertainment, drawing from Scotland’s diverse tastes.
Impact on Scotland’s Media Landscape
STV Radio fills a gap in national commercial radio for Scotland. Before this, options were limited to BBC or local stations. Now, it offers a full national reach on DAB, smart speakers, and the STV Player app. This could boost local talent and give artists a new platform.
Experts see it as a win against digital shifts. Radio listenership in the UK stays strong, with over 49 million weekly listeners in recent reports. STV Radio taps into that by blending old favorites with new twists.
The launch ties into broader trends, like the growth of podcasts and live events. It follows successful station revamps elsewhere, showing radio’s staying power in 2026.
Looking Ahead for STV Radio
Plans include more live events and special shows. Ewen mentioned a Saturday football phone-in, going back to his roots. The team has brainstormed ideas for months, aiming to keep things fresh.
Listeners can expect surprises, like unique music picks and community features. As Scotland’s media evolves, STV Radio positions itself as a go-to spot for daily listening.
What do you think of the new station? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to friends who love great radio.
