History

 

Lothiansound began in 1988. The first tape was sent to around 40 visually impaired people and there are now over 550 Listeners.

Early recordings were made in the Calton Community Centre, Montgomery Street and Dalry House, Edinburgh. The accommodation in both of these locations was shared. A move to the annexe of Queens Bay Lodge in 1989 afforded exclusive use of one room where all the recording, copying and administration took place. We were able to spread our wings in 1993 when we moved to our present premises, a council flat in the Meadowbank area of Edinburgh. We now have a copying room, a dedicated recording studio, a meeting/administration room and, of course, a kitchen and toilet! The only downside is that we have to pay rent!

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Rt. Hon. E. McLaughlin was invited to become Honorary President of Lothiansound in 1990.

A Certificate of Service to the Community was awarded to Lothiansound in November 1994.

In April 1999, a civic reception was held in the City Chambers, Edinburgh to celebrate Lothiansound's 10th Birthday. This was hosted by Eric Milligan, Provost of Edinburgh, who is Honorary President of Lothiansound.

Lothiansound won the Scottish Tape Competition (Newspaper Section) in 1994, 1996, 2000, 2002 and 2006. The shield is hanging on the studio wall and there is a photograph of it on the Photos page. We also won the Best Readers category in the UK competition in 2002. These awards reflect hard work and dedication so freely given by all our Volunteers.

January 2008 saw the first compact discs being sent to Listeners while tapes are still offered to people who prefer them. Even those listening to tapes benefit from the improved quality digital, rather than analogue, recording.