Latest News

WISHART MEETS ALAN COWIE FOR PERTHSHIRE’S DIGITAL SWITCHOVER COUNTDOWN ANNOUNCEMENT

WISHART MEETS ALAN COWIE FOR PERTHSHIRE’S DIGITAL SWITCHOVER COUNTDOWN ANNOUNCEMENT

Member of Parliament for Perth and North Perthshire, Mr Pete Wishart, today [Wednesday] met with senior Scottish television journalist, presenter and producer and liaison for Digital UK in the North and North East Scotland region, Mr Alan Cowie, to discuss the Perth’s digital switchover which is to take place on 4th August next year. The Scottish Borders became the first region to complete the change last Christmas and Switchover is now progressing in south-west Scotland continuing to the north of Scotland throughout 2010 and finishing in Lothian, parts of Edinburgh and Fife by June 2011.

Mr Wishart said after the meeting:

“I had a really productive meeting with Alan Cowie of Digital UK this morning. It is great news that Perthshire’s date for digital switchover has been announced and the countdown to next Autumn is on.

“The limited effect of relay transmitters and mountainous geographical terrain meant that Perth city was one of the worst areas for receiving Freeview in Scotland and several constituents have visited me to raise their frustrations with this matter.

“This switchover will mean that virtually all viewers in Perth and North Perthshire will have the opportunity to enjoy digital TV through an aerial, offering many homes more choice than ever before.

“People in Perthshire must make sure they are ready and prepared for the switchover and leaflets are being sent to every home to explain your options and national and local radio will also be promoting the change over the coming year.

“There is also assistance for the more vulnerable in society and letters are to be sent to every household eligible for help from the Switchover Help Scheme which will offer assistance and equipment to convert one television for those aged 75 or over, registered blind or partially sighted, on certain disability benefits or living in a care home for six months or more.

“Enter your postcode at www.digitaluk.co.uk or phone the helpline on 08456 50 50 50 to find out which transmitter you are likely to be watching and what options are available to you now and after switchover”.

Go to the News page