Ricky Ross has received an award for championing country music on his Another Country show on BBC Radio Scotland.
Country star Carly Pearce surprised Ricky at the end of an interview when she presented him with the Country Music Association International Broadcaster of the Year Award.
The award recognises the outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of country music in their country.
Carly told Ricky: “You’ve been such a champion for our genre in Scotland Ricky – and we’re extremely grateful for your passionate support of artists from the newest talent to our biggest stars. Congratulations!”
Ricky, who also won the award ten years ago, said: “Another Country is now 16 years old. My producer, Richard Murdoch and I, have worked on the show all of this time and have both enjoyed exploring the world of country music together.
“We love the music and we have loved getting to know the people who make it. This award is for a two hour show that is the highlight of our week and we are grateful to the CMA for the recognition. Thanks especially to the artists for sharing the great stories of country music.”
Heather Kane Darling, BBC Radio Scotland, Commissioning Editor, added: “This is great recognition for Ricky who has been a champion of country and Americana music on his popular, long-running show.
“Alongside his producer Richard Murdoch and researcher Emma Gallacher every Tuesday evening our audience hears the best of new country music, classic tracks and, with Ricky’s song writing credentials, we also get wonderful insights and conversations from the artists at the heart of the genre.”
The surprise presentation of the award will air during Ricky’s show on BBC Radio Scotland tomorrow at 8pm.
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk