A motion at the Scottish Parliament has congratulated Forth Valley College student Kayla MacDonald who won an award for her work with hospital radio at Forth Valley Royal.
The motion was submitted recently by Falkirk East MSP Michelle Thomson and praised the work of Kayla (18), who is currently studying for a BA Hons in Digital Media at Forth Valley College’s Stirling Campus, and was recently named the recipient of the 2025 Radio Royal Robyn Jenkins Memorial Award.
This award is given annually to a new member of Radio Royal who has gone above and beyond in their dedication to the station. Kayla was presented with the award at the Annual General Meeting on 18 February 2025 by Radio Royal Chairman Lee Tait.
The full Motion which was presented to Parliament on Monday 22 April, said:
“MSP for Falkirk East Michelle Thomson: Congratulating Kayla MacDonald on Receiving the Radio Royal Robyn Jenkins Memorial Award 2025—That the Parliament congratulates Kayla MacDonald, a BA Hons student in Digital Media at Forth Valley College, on being announced as the recipient of the 2025 Radio Royal Robyn Jenkins Memorial Award; understands that this award is given annually to a new member of Radio Royal who has gone above and beyond in their dedication to the station; understands that since Kayla joined Radio Royal she has become a key figure in the provision of the service, which is broadcast across Forth Valley Royal Hospital; considers that Radio Royal functions and thrives with the help of many dedicated volunteers, providing a fantastic service and making a difference to local patients and their families across NHS Forth Valley; congratulates Kayla on her award, and wishes her well with her studies.
Since joining Radio Royal in August 2023, Kayla has become a key figure at the station. She hosts her own show every Tuesday from 8-10pm, with repeats on Thursday at 6am and Sunday at 6pm. Beyond presenting, she plays a crucial role behind the scenes, managing the station’s social media accounts, updating the official website and working as part of the production team to create promotional trailers and sponsorship adverts.
Her journey into hospital radio started with presenter training, but her passion for media led her to become more involved in production and station management. Now an executive team member, she balances her work at the station alongside her studies - a challenge she has embraced wholeheartedly.
Like any aspiring broadcaster, Kayla has faced her share of challenges. Learning the station’s presenting style, adapting to new systems and ensuring lawful compliance on air were all hurdles she had to navigate. Managing her executive responsibilities alongside her coursework also proved demanding, however, she has worked to find solutions to these obstacles.
Kayla said, “I’ve found planning out my weeks have become my saving grace when it comes to the workload, and talking to the station manager, whom I’ve grown close with during my time, has helped to ease the pressure.
“Knowing that other station members recognise my hard work and the time I put into the station made me feel more confident going forward. I’m proud of myself for showing up and giving it my all, even on bad days.
“Having this award alongside my qualification is something worth showing to future employers. It’s a stepping stone to bigger things.
“My advice for potential students thinking about broadcasting and Digital Media as a career is just do it, even if it feels strange! I had to learn how to talk to myself as though there were 100 people in the room, but these strange hurdles are only the beginning of something amazing. Volunteer at a local or hospital station if you can – it’s a fantastic way to gain experience.”
Eilidh Gallagher, NHS Forth Valley’s Head of Person Centred Care, said: “Radio Royal is a fantastic service and its success is due to hardworking people like Kayla who, along with many other volunteers, make a real difference to local patients and their families across NHS Forth Valley.”
Kayla’s lecturer at FVC, Colm Clerkin, said, “Kayla is a remarkable student and someone who we are happy is a part of the Digital Media cohort. We are delighted to hear she has won an award for her outstanding contributions to Radio Royal. Her creativity and dedication to her studies have always set her apart, especially in her audio-based units such as Podcasting and Radio Production 2.
“Starting her journey with us on the FA in Creative & Digital Media course, she has progressed to the BA Hons Digital Media course, showcasing her commitment and passion for learning. As she prepares to move on to her third year at Stirling University, Kayla continues to impress with her graciousness and supportive nature. Her kindness and willingness to help others make her a cherished member of our community. We are incredibly proud of Kayla's achievements and look forward to seeing her continue to excel in her future endeavours. Congratulations, Kayla!”
Listeners can tune into Kayla’s show and other Radio Royal broadcasts by visiting www.radioroyal.org or through the Radio Royal app. You can also follow @radioroyal on social media.
You can also view our Media & Film courses at: www.forthvalley.ac.uk/courses/media-film
