Jimmy Mack


(James McRitchie)

1934 - 2004

Broadcaster. Born James McRitchie in Greenock (Inverclyde), Mack began as a volunteer in hospital radio in the 1960s. His professional career started in 1965 as a 'pirate' broadcasting from a ship anchored at various points around the Scottish coastline, but he went on to become a favourite on the BBC. Moving to London, Mack contributed regularly to the UK-national stations BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 before returning to Glasgow in 1979 to host the flagship mid-morning show on a relaunched Radio Scotland. He is particularly noted for presenting his programme from the Glasgow Garden Festival (1988) on each of the 108 days it was open, one of the longest consecutive outside broadcasts in the history of the BBC. Mack also served as a producer for BBC Radio 4 favourites such as You and Yours and In Britain Now. Mack ended his career with the independent station Radio Clyde 2, joining them in 1990.

He was awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting in 1996 and died at home in Bearsden (East Dunbartonshire).


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