Grampian Television

Grampian Television started on September 30th 1961
Of the seven applicants for this franchise, the group who won was fronted by Lord Boyd-Orr, with the Donald Brothers (controllers of most local theatres and cinemas) and famous author Sir Compton Mackenzie. They were joined by Lord Boothby, having failed to gain the West Country franchise now moved to the opposite end of the kingdom. Learning from his previous errors, His Lordship stated "our programmes will have a Scottish and local emphasis." With support from the Bishop of Aberdeen and Field Marshall Lord Harding, while others in the consortium included Lady Maud Baillie, sister of the Prime Minister's wife, the Lord Provost of Elgin, Lord Semphill, Maitland Mackie, George Roberts of Aberdeen Town Council, Mrs James Mackie of Insch, Dr James Buchanan, Ministry of Health Banff, John Paton, Provost Robert Forman of Peterhead, and David Allen and Sons, billposters!
North of Scotland TV (as it was originally known) had as its first chairman prominent local cinema owner Sir Alexander King, with his deputy Capt Iain Tennant (Elgin). The remainder of the board were also all Scottish, Viscount Colville (Inverbervie), Major Michael Crighton Stuart (Falkland), Lord Forbes of Alford, John N Milne (Aberdeen), Angus Ogilvy (Kirriemuir), DL Urquhart (Forfar), Provost Robert Wotherspoon (Inverness) and E O'Donnell.
The third main contender, North Caledonia Television, included playwright Eric Linklater and Tom Johnston, former Secretary of State for Scotland, with Colonel Cameron of Lochiel as Chairman.
An unsuccessful bidder for the franchise was headed by Sir James Hutchison, Earl of Wemyss.
Grampian studios in Aberdeen were constructed of local Aberdeen granite, and were regarded as of a pleasing architectural contemporary design.
The opening night had a potential viewing of about 100,000 homes, the estimated maximum being over twice that figure. In the first year Grampian produced about six hours weekly of local material, rising to seven after this first year.

Joe and the Music - Guests on the August 9th 1963 show were Brian Poole and the Tremeloes. On August 16th it was The Dennisons (rhythm and blues)
Guest on Grampian's George Kidd Show on Friday April 14th 1967 at 8.25pm was Lance Percival, as well as Linda Kaye

STV's Did you see Una? came top of TAM ratings in the Grampian region, week ending July 23rd 1967 and Aug 20th 1967
More Titbits . . . So Many Partings (1966) . . Grampian TV schedules . . Grampian TV TAM ratings
Dinosaur TV menu

Grampian TV Programmes for Opening Weekend
Saturday Sept 30th 1961:
2.45pm Grampian Joins the Family
2.46 Racing from Catterick; Wrestling from Wembley
5.00 Soccer Results
5.05 The Terrific Adventures of the Terrible Ten
5.20 Scotsport
5.45 News
5.50 Thank Your Lucky Stars
6.30 Gun Law
7.00 Greetings from Grampian
7.30 The Eye Opener Man and Robert Burns
8.25 News
8.30 Ghost Squad
9.30 Arthur Haynes Show
10.00 Deadline Midnight
11.00 77 Sunset Strip
11.50 News
11.55 Weather
11.58 Close down