Radio Royal Presenter Biographies

Lee Tait

Presenter of Late Night Love Songs four nights a week and is Radio Royal’s Chairman. He previously presented Solid Gold from 2011-2024. Lee is a graduate of the University of Stirling and now works in the public sector. He has also lived and worked in North America during his career. As a big sports fan, Lee claims to be Radio Royal’s only fan of Baseball. His enthusiasm for radio began as a child when he felt homesick after moving two hundred and fifty miles from home. His desperate attempts to listen to his old local radio stations by making an aerial from coat hangers failed but made him realise that he wanted to be a radio presenter. Three words to describe Lee would be quiet, calm and loyal. His favourite band is ABC and favourite song 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 Social 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 enjoying a Cappuccino (Iced Latte in the Summer), in a Dance Studio or relaxing at home. 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 Lost Frequencies. Her top songs include Will We Talk by Sam Fender and Lover by Taylor Swift. 

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 one of the presenters of The Healthy Breakfast Show. He is also the Volunteer and Training Manager. He enjoys working as part of the team and finds the job rewarding. Like many he went to the University of Life and has built up his radio skills on the job. He describes his self as thoughtful, caring and funny. His favourite artists are Ozzy Osborne and Bon Jovi. Livin’ On A Prayer is his favourite song. When asked if there were a film about his life what would it be and who would play him, he replied that the film would be a comedy and he would be played by Jack Black. Anyone who knows Ryan would agree that sums up Ryan well. 

Instagram @ryanr2d2_91

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 our Media Manager and Presenter at Radio Royal. He ensures that our system is updated with the music you want to hear. 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.

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. 

Ryan Brooks

Ryan is a presenter and member of the production team. He says that he has become more confident since joining Radio Royal. When he’s not at Radio Royal he works as a taxi controller. His favourite pastime is playing video games and building models. Ryan’s favourite band is The Gorillaz and admits he likes Disney movies. He says that he is happy, loyal and enthusiastic. 

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 McDonald

Kayla is a presenter. She enjoys spending time with her dog Harvey and reading. Kyla is studying towards a degree in digital marketing. Her favourite group is 5 Seconds of Summer. She admits that although she may seem confident, she is actually awkward and quiet. In her own words she is creative, funny and authentic.