A New Voice for Millions: Radio Maria United Kingdom Brings the Gospel to Scotland and Bath on DAB
Major DAB signal secures reach to up to 70% of Scotland’s population, including Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, as Catholic radio station continues national growth.
Radio Maria United Kingdom (RM UK) is pleased to announce a significant expansion of its DAB digital radio coverage, with the addition of a major new signal across Scotland and a new frequency in the city of Bath, England.
The new Scottish DAB signal covers up to 70% of the nation’s population, reaching its principal cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, as well as Scotland’s Central Belt, including the Glasgow to Edinburgh corridor. This economic and social heartland is home to nearly 4 million people and represents one of the most significant expansions in Radio Maria UK’s history.
The Scotland signal went on air on Monday 22nd June 2026 at approximately 11am.
‘I am pleased to share that we have secured a major DAB signal in Scotland, covering up to 70% of the nation’s population, including its principal cities: Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. This represents a significant milestone in expanding our reach across the UK and comes at the perfect time, following our recent announcement of becoming Radio Maria UK, reflecting both our transformation and our continued growth.’
Inti Paolucci, President, Radio Maria United Kingdom
Bishop John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley and President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, who has previously been a guest on Radio Maria, was pleased to hear of the expansion:
‘I warmly welcome the news that Radio Maria UK has secured a DAB signal covering the majority of Scotland’s population, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and the Diocese of Paisley. This is a significant milestone that will enable many more people to access programmes that nourish faith, inspire hope and strengthen our Catholic community.
Catholic media has a vital role to play in today’s world. It helps to foster a culture rooted in the Gospel, drawing people closer to God and encouraging us to live with compassion, joy and a renewed sense of purpose. At a time when so many voices compete for our attention, it is encouraging to see Radio Maria UK providing a trusted platform for prayer, catechesis, conversation and Christian witness.
I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to contribute to Radio Maria’s monthly March for Life programme, and I look forward to the many new possibilities this expansion will bring. It offers a wonderful opportunity to share the hope of the gospel with listeners across Scotland and to highlight the rich variety of faithful voices, stories and initiatives that continue to strengthen the life of the Church in our country.’
Bishop John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley Kingdom
Alongside the Scottish expansion, RM UK has secured DAB coverage in Bath, adding another thriving university city to its growing broadcasting footprint. The station’s presence in cities like Bath and Cambridge reflects a deliberate commitment to evangelisation in academic communities, reaching not only students, but academics and young professionals navigating their intellectual and spiritual lives. For Radio Maria UK, university cities represent some of the most vital ground for bringing the message of Christ: places of enquiry, formation and discernment, where faith can take deep root.
The Rt Revd Bosco MacDonald, Bishop of Clifton, was pleased to see the expansion in the Clifton Diocese having previously only had DAB+ available in the Bristol area:
‘I am delighted to welcome the launch of Radio Maria UK on DAB+ digital radio in the Bath area of our Diocese. This is good news not only for Catholics but for anyone seeking thoughtful Christian programming and an opportunity to grow in faith.’
Many people today are searching for hope, peace and a deeper sense of purpose. Radio Maria offers a rich variety of programmes including prayer, catechesis, music, reflection and news, all rooted in the Catholic faith. It also provides companionship for those who may be isolated or unable to participate regularly in the life of their local parish.
Radio Maria UK is already available across the country through its app and this new DAB+ service for Bath builds on its existing coverage in Bristol. I am very pleased that more people across the Diocese of Clifton will now be able to listen with greater ease.
I warmly encourage people to tune in and explore what Radio Maria has to offer. My hope is that it will deepen faith, bring encouragement to those who are struggling, and help many people encounter the love of Christ.
With my prayers and every blessing.’
Rt Revd Bosco MacDonald, Bishop of Clifton
These developments mark a new chapter for Radio Maria United Kingdom, formerly known as Radio Maria England. The station broadcasts Catholic faith-based programming 24 hours a day, offering prayer, catechesis, music, and talk programmes rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Fr Toby Lees OP, Priest Director of Radio Maria is thrilled with the news:
‘The MacIntyre in me rejoices! That was my grandmother’s maiden name, and I’m glad our broadcasting now extends to my Scottish roots. Rootedness matters. In an era of profound change, people sense the need to be rooted in something stable and bigger than themselves.
However, too many people seek this ‘something’ in identities that cannot bear the weight of their desires, in identities that pit them against others. Radio Maria promises something different: the Root of Jesse, life in Christ, a new identity that roots us in the God who is love, ever ancient, ever new!’
Fr Toby Lees OP, Priest Director, Radio Maria UK
How to Listen
Radio Maria United Kingdom can be accessed through various platforms:
- DAB+ Digital Radio: London, Scotland, Cambridge, Bristol, Bath, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley & Stourbridge, Walsall, Liverpool, Warrington, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Stockport, Norwich, King’s Lynn and Peterborough.
- Smart-Speakers: ask for ‘Radio Maria’.
- Radio Maria Play App: available for smartphones and tablets.
- Website: RadioMaria.uk
- Podcasts: Spotify, Apple Podcasts and others.