One of the most popular voices on a Highland community radio station has been shortlisted in the search for the next break out international DJ star.
17-year-old Joshua Taylor is a regular on Radio Wester Ross - a station which recently received a major boost in the shape of £30,000 in community regeneration funds, allocated by Highland Council’s Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee.
Joshua’s achievements are showing just how important an asset the radio station is to the local community.
Earlier this year Joshua entered the International Radio Star Competition – an X Factor for Radio DJ talent hosted by onaircoach.net.
Joshua was the only Scottish entrant to get through to the final 20 contestants.
Since then, he has been leading the pack as the finalists work their way through a series of recording challenges.
As we approach the final week of the competition Joshua is still in first place, but he needs one final push for support in a public vote.
Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee co-chair, Cllr Liz Kraft, said: “Our committee was delighted to agree funding for Radio Wester Ross after it emerged that without immediate investment, the station would face the prospect of being unable to broadcast to the communities that rely on it for connection, information, and engagement.
“The station gives people a voice, and creates opportunities for talented young people just like Josh.
“I would encourage everyone to consider getting behind Josh and supporting him, by voting for him as International Radio Star 2025!
“Let's support Joshua to win this for Scotland and Highland.”
Joshua was born and grew up in Laide in Wester Ross, attending Poolewe Primary and Gairloch High School.
He became interested in radio while still at primary school and began broadcasting his own shows from a studio created in his bedroom.
During High School he started volunteering at Radio Wester Ross (formerly Two Lochs Radio) and began his first paid job working there on a Saturday. In May 2024 he became deputy station manager and currently presents three shows a week.
Since 2023 Joshua has also been presented five shows a week as the drive time presenter on Scottish station, Now Radio.
He also helped to set up a new community radio station in Brora and has been freelancing as a presenter on other stations, including Nevis Radio in Fort William.
Joshua said: “Radio has been my passion since my days in primary school.
"I am so pleased to have been able to develop my interest and skills here in the Highlands, and I am so grateful to all in the community who have helped and supported me.
“The International Radio Star Competition has been a fantastic experience and a huge thank you to everyone who has voted so far.”
Online voting details are now live and you can vote using the link below:
https://onaircoach.net/the-next-radiostar-on-air-talent-search/
Notes to editors- In November Wester Ross Radio was one of five projects in Highland Council’s Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh ward to share Community Regeneration Funds worth £186,794.32.
- Wester Ross Radio received £30,000 towards the £55,000 project cost of community station refurbishments at Gairloch and Ullapool.