Radio Royal Presenter Biographies

Lee Tait

Lee is the presenter of Solid Gold and Sunday Love Songs. He's also Radio Royal’s Chairman for 2025/26 so between presenting shows and behind-the-scenes activities there's plenty to keep him out of mischief! Solid Gold is usually all about the 80s but occasionally Lee's time machine drops him off in the 60s or 70s or even the 90s. Sunday lunchtimes are all about the love songs - some are fast, some are slow and some are in between but they are all about love and that's what matters. Lee has been at Radio Royal since 2010 and has also been involved with other bits of media and announcing work over the years but Radio Royal is definitely his favourite place to be, although when not at Radio Royal Lee can be found in his log cabin watching baseball or rugby league! Lee was recently asked what three words would best describe him and he came up with quiet, calm and loyal. His favourite band is ABC (Lee actually wrote to the band in 1982 asking if he could join them!) and his favourite song is from the Quiet Storm genre and is "Sweet Love" by Anita Baker. 

 

Simon Marshall

Presenter of Simon’s Cornucopia and is our Treasurer and Trustee. Simon has been with Radio Royal since 1990 and  his Cornucopia is well loved by many of the patients. Before he retired he ran his own training business, specialising in management, sales and communication skills. He enjoys driving his twenty seven year old convertible with the hood down in all weathers and sampling single malt whiskies (but not at the same time). Simon found his confidence when he attended The Royal Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow at the age of ten which led him to get involved in acting on TV (remember Dr Findlay’s Case Book) and Radio. He would have loved to have interviewed Elvis Presley. He describes himself as loyal, cheeky and pedantic. His favourite artist is 10cc. The first record he bought was Twist and Shout by The Beatles. His best hospital radio memory was when he played a couple of songs for his newly born son back in 1988. 

 

Gail Hamilton

Presenter of Gail Hamilton’s Millennial Music Show and Media Manager. She studied Law at Edinburgh University and went on to pursue a career in Law and Finance. Gail also has an Accountancy qualification. When she is not working for Radio Royal you will most likely find her out in Starbucks (Cappuccino/Iced Latte thank you), in a Dance Studio or relaxing at home with a good film/TV series. Gail’s love of dance began at the age of three when she enrolled in both a dance school and theatre group. She has won medals for her dance and was part of a dance group who has performed for Royalty. Not one to be camera shy she has appeared in a TV commercial too. She describes herself as confident, tenacious and easygoing. Her taste in music is reflected in the Music she plays on her Radio Show. Her favourite artists are Sam Fender, Joel Corry and Fontaines D.C. Her top songs include Will We Talk by Sam Fender.

Instagram @ghloungexc 

 

Andrew Wheildon

Presenter of Andy’s Eclectic Albums since 2019 and one of the presenters of The Healthy Breakfast Show. He is also our Presentation and Programme Manager. He graduated with a degree in Engineering from Trent Polytechnic in Nottingham and has worked in Banking and Insurance. When he is not working at Radio Royal he can be found walking his dog or down the Allotment. He enjoys engraving and woodcutting. He has built a three foot Eiffel Tower! -Not many people can say that. One of his greatest achievements is writing a book called ‘Studying Form’ and having it published (available to buy on Amazon). He describes himself as observant, pedantic and trustworthy. His dream interviewee would be  Stephen Fry as long as he kept his answers brief. The Electric Light Orchestra is his favourite group and his favourite song Mr Blue Sky by ELO.

Instagram @normanaka 

 

Ryan Miller

Presenter of Music Madness and The Healthy Breakfast Show, as well as Radio Royal's Station Manager and Volunteer Manager. Ryan enjoys working at Radio Royal as he says that enjoys being part of the team and that he finds the job rewarding. He attended the University of Life and built up his radio skills whilst on the job. Ryan tells us that his favourite artists are Ozzy Osborne and Bon Jovi. His favourite song is Livin' On A Prayer by Bon Jovi. Ryan told us that his dream interview would be Whoopi Goldberg as he feels as though she would be like the cool auntie that you need in your life. In 3 words, Ryan would describe himself as thoughtful, caring and funny. 

Instagram @ryanr2d2_91

 

Craig Ryan 

Presenter of Club Royal and our IT Manager extraordinaire, Craig's creative ideas help generate better, more innovative systems and his technical skills ensure that Radio Royal tech always runs smoothly. He loves ‘embracing 4am -What just happened?- moments’. By day Craig leads a team of engineers. By night he is touring Scotland or DJ’ing at The Maniqui Falkirk, making those Saturday night’s unforgettable. He left school at 16 and began working full time as a field engineer and was also DJ’ing six nights a week. He says that he has always been the guy who works hard and plays harder! His favourite pastimes are music and tech as well as spending quality time with friends and family. His dream interviewee would be Carl Cox -a master of music and keeps people dancing. His favourite songs are club bangers -Bits and Pieces by Artemesia and Feeling It by Sunset Bros and Mark McCabe. Craig lived in Tenerife for 2 years -beach vibes, sunshine, you get the idea. Craig is fun, caring and chaotic. 

Craig Arthur 

Hit Machine’s Craig Arthur is also our Engineering Manager. He ensures proper operation of Radio Royal’s facilities, including transmitters and translators, control systems, playback systems, studios, and all related equipment in the on-air, production and transmission process. Even when he is not working at Radio Royal he is on call to fix any issues or ‘system outrage’ as he often refers to it. You may find him hiding out in Cineworld to enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle. Craig was brought up and went to school in Grangemouth. He went on to work for a leading retailer for 27 years. When asked to describe himself in 3 words, dry humoured Craig answered ‘Erm, what to write- Oh, that’s 4 words isn’t it’. 

 

Julie Ann Lough

She joined Radio Royal in 2021 and presents Late Night Love Songs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Check out her impressive CV: She has both a Degree and PHD in Chemistry. It was when she was studying for her PHD that she ended up in radio. She started presenting a late night chat show and won a BBC Radio 1 student radio award for best female presenter which resulted in presenting a three hour show on Radio 1. Julie Ann has worked as a project manager for a forensic science company and traffic broadcaster across the BBC and local stations in the Midlands of England. She moved to Scotland in 2015 after getting a contract at the BBC Science Department and began working full time in Media. When she is not working for Radio Royal she can be found making science or health related TV programmes and podcasts. She’s worked behind the camera on programs including Horizon, Trust Me I’m A Doctor and The Great British Urine Test. This woman is BAFTA nominated and we are proud to have her on the Radio Royal Team. Julie Ann enjoys walking. She also Fosters Dogs. She has done voluntary ambulance and first-aid work in Ireland with the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps for twenty seven years and does  it occasionally in Scotland too. Her work with the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps takes her to  Lourdes every year where she provides care and support for pilgrims at the hospital there. Her favourite artist Is Lisa Hannigan. Her favourite song is Chris Isaak Wicked Games.

Instagram @julieannlough 

 

Matt Ludlow

Matt is a daytime Presenter who keeps everyone entertained with music of all styles, from across the decades and shares some interesting or funny things that have caught his eye that week. He divides his time between work, driving his kids to clubs, the gym (particularly Spin Classes) and walking his dog Fergus. He arrived in Forth Valley in 2000 when he moved to study English and Media at Stirling University. Whilst there, he worked for a supermarket and at a local pub as barman and resident DJ. Then he went on to become a mobile DJ before finding work behind the scenes in Radio. Matt had no hesitation telling us his favourite pastime is Karaoke. He will sing at any excuse! He admits to having a list of songs on his phone so that he can remember what to sing and what not to sing. He would love to interview Gene Wilder. Kate Bush is his favourite artist and favourite song is Weezer Island In The Sun. His favourite takeaway is Mixed Pakora, Tandoori King Prawn and Keema Naan. Matt describes himself as confused but smiling. 

 

John Collins 

John has been with Radio Royal from the beginning in 1977. His talent, skill and knowledge has contributed to the success of Radio Royal to date. He presents Royal Country and The Royal Yacht with John Collins. He said the best part of his job is meeting the next generation (and occasionally the previous ones) of great broadcasters. When John is not at Radio Royal he can be found running Countryline Radio and doing voiceover work. He previously studied Computer Science at Heriot Watt University. Since 1985 he has worked in Radio for the BBC, commercial radio stations, Radio Royal and has lectured radio for over a decade. He enjoys music, travelling and travelling to music. He also has an interest in trains and buses, and has a train set in his Studio. John’s favourite artist at the moment is Brad Paisley.  His favourite song is Tim McGraw’s Humble And Kind. He says people may be surprised to know that he is good in the kitchen. In his own words he is always very busy. 

Instagram @johngeradcollins 

 

Kirsty Somerville 

Kirsty is one of our Presenters. She enjoys playing a selection of music as well as some chat to our audience. When she is not working, you can find her amongst the crowds in Edinburgh, or up North spending time with her puppy Tosh. She is a graduate from Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in English and Film, now working as a publicist. In her spare time she likes going to concerts. Her favourite band is The 1975 and their song It’s Not Living If It’s Not With You is a favourite of Kirsty’s. She describes herself as caring, loyal and jokey. 

 

Ian Rhind

Ian is one of our presenters. He loves 70s 80s and 90s music and loves to share it with our listeners even more. He fits his work in around his full time job, love of motor biking, and interest in photography. His favourite artist is Roxette and their song Joyride is a favourite. Ian is proud to have met the late Princess Diana. He sums himself up as always doing something.

 

Alan Paterson

Alan is one of our presenters. He says that the best part about being with Radio Royal is learning new skills, and when he's not behind a microphone, Alan can be found volunteering on reception at Falkirk's Citizen Advice Bureau. He has 6 O'Grades, 2 National Certificates, 8 years in the Civil Service and a number of years in the retail sector! Alan says that his favourite pastme is experimental cookery or mainly non-fiction reading. When asked who his dream interviewee would be, Alan said Freddy Mercury, though the next best would be Brian May. It's no surprise that his favourite group is Queen, but he also enjoys ABBA, Celine Dion and ELO. Alan has many favourite songs, but a few include: Don't Stop Me Now, Winner Takes It All, and We Are The Champions. He thinks that people would be surprised to learn that he's very shy, usually because when he tries to be outgoing, he usually sticks his foot in it! Alan says is he could be re-incarnated, he would easily be a sheepdog, an alsatian or a Siberian Husky because they are talented, beautiful, and well-loved. Alan would describe himself in 3 words as introverted, modest and shy.

 

Adam Julians

Adam is one of our presenters. He is early retired and enjoys volunteering with a Talking Newspaper, also making friendship calls to beneficiaries experiencing isolation and loneliness. His interests include dancing, rowing and serving in a local church. After a varied career path, he decided to become a radio presenter, first with CamGlen Radio, then Pulse 98.4, and now with Radio Royal. He enjoys making other people’s day and is fun, likeable and friendly. 

 

Simon Mann

Simon presents a show on Friday nights for people who enjoy alternative music from across the globe. He says that the best part of working with Radio Royal is that he will either introduce someone to their new favourite band or his music will evoke happy memories in a listener. He has a degree in Psychology. Whilst studying he joined a stage crew and by the time he had graduated, he had been on stage with Madonna at Wembley Stadium and played George Michael’s Faith guitar. Inevitably, he got sucked into the music industry, where he spent  over 3 decades as a lighting designer and technician. He enjoys reading in his spare time. He is a fan of Motörhead. You may be surprised to know that Simon was considered to be one of London’s top chocolate experts. He’s also had a few celebrity encounters, one of which was Dame Shirley Bassey, who he claims spanked his bottom. Words to  describe Simon would be ‘May contain nuts’.  

 

Ryan Brooks

Presenter of Brooks' Bangin' Beats on a Tuesday afternoon and the The Healthy Breakfast Show on a Monday and Wednesday, Ryan is also a member of the production team, as chief recorder and editor, as well as aiding the new generation of presenters as Radio Royal's Training Manager - he's a busy man! Ryan says the best part of working at Radio Royal is that every day is different and that he can express himself through his work, bringing his personality to the station through presenting or production. When he's not at the station, Ryan can be found working for Tartanline Radio Cabs as a taxi controller. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Sound for the Moving Image which he often applies for production work, ensuring the best work for listeners, sponsors, and presenters. He says his favourite pastime is one of his many hobbies including: building various sizes of model kits, building Lego, and fully completing video games. Ryan says his dream interviewee would be Sir Ian McKellen because he he has the ability to transform even the most ordinary stories into the most entertaining and thrilling ones, and he often finds himself laughing at his anecdotes about his life and famous acquaintances. His favourite groups are The Gorillaz and Måneskin. Ryan says his favourite song changes all the time, but right now its Grace Kelly by Mika. He believes that people would be surprised to learn that he is a massive fan on detective novels like the work of Agatha Christie. In 5 years time, he sees himself working professionally on movies, TV, or video games as a sound designer. Ryan would describe himself in 3 words as: complex, unique, and fun.

 

Alan Roberts

Alan is one of our presenters. Now retired, he previously managed social care homes. In his spare time he enjoys playing Bridge and watching movies. ABBA is top of his list of bands. His favourite song is Perhaps Love by John Denver. During COVID he and twenty friends wrote a series of short stories. Funny, emotional and hopeful best describe Alan. 

 

Kayla MacDonald

Kayla is a presenter, member of the production team, and our Social Media Manager. She currently juggles the above roles alongside studying towards a degree in Digital Media at the University of Stirling. Kayla is Radio Royal's self proclaimed biggest 5 Seconds of Summer fan and talks about them at least once every show! Her favourite pastime is reading anything with an interesting cover art, spending time with her dog Harvey, or creating many playlists. She loves all genres of music and stresses that she could never choose a favourite. Kayla has many other favourite artists beside 5SOS; she enjoys Fontaines D.C., Madison Beer, Inhaler, and Sam Fender. Kayla says that although she may seem confident on air, she is an awkward human at heart. Kayla would describe herself as creative, funny and authentic.

 

Conor Duff

Conor is a member of the production team as well as Radio Royal's Secretary. Conor volunteers whist studying at college and working at a bakers. He is currently studying towards a HND in Media and Communication. Conor says he enjoys watching TV and gaming, as well as being a massive WWE fan. He says his favourite group is Coldplay. Conor would describe himself as helpful, loyal, and funny. 

 

Nav Kaur

Presenter of Pick & Mix of Greatest Hits. Nav says that the best thing about working with Radio Royal is knowing her show might cheer someone up who is experiencing a difficult time during their stay. When she's not at Radio Royal, Nav can be found in the kitchen, gym or driving her kids around. Nav tell us that after earning her degree in Business, she worked in administrative roles for 25 years! Her favourite pastime is spending time walking in the great outdoors. Nav says her dream interviewee would be the great, late Steve Wright. She loves a variety of old and new music such as Maroon 5, Bryan Adams, Lionel Richie, Meatloaf, Coldplay, and Dua Lipa amongst others too. Nav says that she couldn't choose a favourite song because there are too many to mention! She believes people would be surprised to learn that she loves boxing. Nav's guilty pleasure is karaoke! She would describe herself as friendly, chatty, and running late.

 

Lauren Lamont 

Lauren is a presenter. Lauren says the best part of working with Radio Royal is that she can be creative through creating her shows and the people you meet. When Lauren isn't at Radio Royal, she can be found working as an apprentice at a nursery and as a care practitioner for the elderly. Lauren's favourite band is Metallica and her favourite song is She Keeps Me Up by Nickleback. She says that she feels that people would be surprised to learn that she wears glasses. Lauren would describe herself in 3 words as honest, funny, and bubbly.