DAB works using a ‘Single Frequency Network’. As the name suggests this means that a single frequency is used at all transmitters across the whole of the UK for the BBC Multiplex which is clearly very efficient. The downside is that you can’t have any variation in programming, which is why listeners to BBC DAB in the Western Isles get the same channel selection as in London, Cardiff and Belfast.

Because of this restriction more local services like Radio Nan Gaidheal & Radio Scotland need to be broadcast on local Commercial DAB services. Obviously the problem in remote parts of Scotland will be the lack of will on behalf of commercial operators to invest in serving these areas.

However, in these circumstances the government has said that services can remain on FM. Your comment that manufacturers are stopping making FM radios is wholly incorrect. Almost all radios that have DAB also have FM, and this will continue to be the case as FM will remain a broadcasting band for smaller local stations. So there is no question that listeners in remote areas of Scotland will lose access to Radio Scotland and Radio Nan Gaidheal if they currently have it on FM.