Duncan McKay Presenter
Duncan McKay began his radio career through voluntary broadcasting, gaining experience over several years before joining North East Community Radio (NECR) in 2007. At NECR, he initially presented Nice and Easy, a Tuesday evening programme dedicated to love songs, before moving on to host The Afternoon Show weekdays. He also presented Saturday morning programmes and occasional Sunday afternoon shows. McKay left NECR in 2014 but returned in 2017 as a relief presenter, covering a variety of daytime, evening and weekend programmes until the station closed in August 2018.
Later that year, McKay joined Waves Radio in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. He initially presented Happening Saturday before joining the station full-time as part of the sales team and as presenter of Hitmix. After stepping down from his full-time role, he continued to work with the station as a stand-in presenter.
During this period, Waves Radio became the subject of a proposed takeover by a consortium of interested parties. According to accounts from those connected with the station, the proposed takeover created uncertainty among staff and volunteers. The takeover ultimately failed to materialise, and reports at the time suggested disagreements arose regarding the station's future direction and ownership. It was claimed by some individuals involved that legal delays prevented a sale from being completed, while others maintained that no money ever changed hands and that negotiations eventually collapsed.
Following the failed takeover attempt, McKay returned to the airwaves and continued broadcasting during what many described as a turbulent period for the station. Former staff members have alleged that financial difficulties became increasingly apparent, with debts emerging and concerns raised regarding unpaid invoices. It was also claimed by some associated with the station that tensions developed between supporters of the failed takeover and existing management. Allegations circulated regarding anonymous social media activity and hostile communications directed at presenters, although these claims were never publicly proven.
Despite the difficulties, McKay continued broadcasting and worked to attract advertising revenue in an effort to support the station. As financial pressures mounted, reports emerged that some staff and contributors had gone unpaid for extended periods. Eventually, Waves Radio switched to continuous music programming before announcing its closure.
The circumstances surrounding the station's closure remain the subject of differing accounts. Some former observers have suggested the closure followed a walkout over unpaid wages, while others have claimed discussions were taking place regarding a possible purchase of the station. Various versions of events have circulated, and no single account has been universally accepted.
Following the closure of Waves Radio, Coast Radio took over the frequency. Some former observers have speculated that the station had been preparing for such a move in advance, citing reports that studio facilities had already been established. However, these claims have never been formally substantiated. McKay did not join Coast Radio and was said by those close to him to be deeply disappointed by the outcome of events.
McKay subsequently continued his broadcasting career with weekend programmes serving audiences in Sheffield and Rotherham. He was also heard on a short-lived online community station serving north-east Scotland.
In 2025, McKay joined The Wave Scotland, an online radio station reportedly established by former broadcast engineer Stephen Reid. McKay currently presents weekend programmes and remains active in broadcasting, adding another chapter to a radio career that has spanned community, commercial and online radio across Scotland and beyond.
Duncan McKay is a Presenter at Waves FM Peterhead.
Duncan McKay was a Commercial Producer at NECR from March 2007 to 16 August 2018.
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