John Ritchie

John Ritchie

The Scotsman: Obituary by Jim Forrester | edinburghguide.com : John Ritchie Remembered

It is with great sadness that the Board of Midlothian Community Media Association has to inform you of the death of John Ritchie on Saturday 8th March 2014.

John, as chairman was at the helm of the Association and Black Diamond FM from the beginning and worked tirelessly to ensure that the dream of a community radio station for Midlothian was realised.

As a journalist, editor and author, he brought a wide-range of contacts and considerable expertise into the development of one of first stations in the UK to receive a community radio licence. John brought his missionary zeal in support of community radio not only to Midlothian but further afield in his work with others to establish a credible Scottish Community Broadcast Network.

At times John ruffled feathers when officialdom seemed to obstruct our plans but he will be remembered as providing strong leadership in ensuring that Black Diamond FM has not only survived but prospered into a station that provides not only entertainment and information but has helped improve community cohesion.

The continuation of the station will be one of his many legacies and a tribute to his work over the last 10 years.

Our thoughts are with his partner Catriona and daughter Hynde