Changes at Real Radio Scotland and Smooth

A NEW mid-morning host has been appointed at one of Scotland’s top commercial radio stations.

Paul Harper – described in publicity as a “globe-trotting DJ” – has been taken on at Real Radio Scotland, whose parent company, Guardian Media Group, on Monday launched its rebranded recent purchase, Glasgow-based Saga 105.2FM, as Smooth 105.2.

Harper joined Real last month as host of the evening, Jukebox, after leaving a presenting post in Sydney, Australia. But he’s now been propelled into the daytime schedule to host the popular four-hour mid-morning and lunchtime show (10am-2pm).

But he’s no stranger to the Scottish airwaves, having hosted the breakfast show on Beat 106 for two years, as one half of ‘Paul and Des in the Morning’, before he packed his bags to travel the world.

Paul replaces Dougie Jackson who, says Real, has “sadly left after four years with the station to pursue new radio interests”.

And talking of change, Smooth is much-changed. Earlier this week, Spike reported the departure of news editor, Gordon Boag. But it’s on top of the departure of at least three presenters – Angus Simpson, Glen Michael and Duncan Cameron.

They are joined by Joan Morrison – who was PA to Norman Quirk, the Saga 105.2 FM founder, who left in January, and sales director, Pam Richardson.

Richardson joined the station six months before its launch, under Quirk, and is said to be now considering her options.

With Quirk and Richardson gone, it leaves only one director remaining from the previous regime: programme director, Gerry Burke.