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Former local journalist broadcasts live from loft

A former regional newspaper journalist hit the ‘lofty’ heights of world broadcasting fame on the night Britain’s historic unity could have come crashing down.

In the run-up to Scotland’s referendum, ex-Paisley Daily Express columnist Colin Kelly decided to broadcast nightly half-hour radio programmes –literally Live From The Loft – promoted on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

Encouraged by the positive feedback, he decided to do a special programme on the night of the 18 September referendum from 9.30pm on Thursday until 5.30am on Friday while juggling a role as special correspondent with Australia’s ABC radio and the UK’s LBC.

The results from the all-night broadcast have now revealed Colin had more than 700 listening requests, and streamed a total of over 105 hours – including 21 hours to Canada (90 requests), and 35 hours to the US (243 requests). In total, a worldwide audience from 51 countries tuned in.

“I was staggered with the results I got,” said the former radio station news editor and one-time news programme host on Radio Clyde, Real Radio and BBC Radio Scotland.

Colin, now a PR media training specialist, plans to continue broadcasting live from the loft of his Glasgow home with weekly phone-in and discussion programmes – believing his referendum activity has been a “successful test”.