David Gray (9 January 1961 – 21 February 2024) was a Scottish broadcaster, journalist, senior producer and news editor at BBC Radio Orkney. He was one of the station’s most popular presenters, and was a public figure in Orkney until his death.
Career Gray was born in Kirkwall, Scotland. Gray started his career as a mechanic, fixing cars in a garage across from the BBC studio in Kirkwall. He then joined BBC Radio Orkney in Orkney, Scotland, and spent over thirty years at the station. From 2008 to 2021, Gray was the News Editor. Throughout his long career at the BBC, Gray presented various programmes on the station, starting with a metal programme, titled Metallic Gray, before working on their flagship news programme Around Orkney each weekday morning.Around Orkney - BBC Sounds Website - BBC Sounds Gray also interviewed many guests from the island, with an 'In Conversation' programme.In Conversation With Dave Gray - BBC Radio Scotland Gray retired in 2021. Following the announcement of his retirement, Metallic Gray was brought back for a special edition under the title 60 Shades of Metallic Gray. He briefly returned in 2024 to do six weeks holiday cover.Beloved BBC radio presenter Dave Gray dies 'suddenly' after 30 years on air - 22 February 2024 - Daily Express
Gray hosted various different events across Orkney, including for Orkney's Business Festival in 2016.Orkney’s first business festival gets under way today- 20 April 2016 - The Orcadian
In 2021, Gray was a guest on the BBC podcast Scotland Outdoors for BBC Radio Scotland.Mark and Euan chat to former Radio Orkney colleague Dave Gray about radio and island life- 21 April 2021 - BBC Scotland
Death Gray died suddenly in an Edinburgh hospital on 21 February 2024 following a short illness. He was 63. Tributes were shared across social media from family, friends, colleagues and listeners. BBC Scotland News managing editor, Peter MacRae, said "The Orkney audience took Dave to their hearts because he was the same person on air as off. He was passionate about Orkney and local journalism and a strong advocate for maintaining the BBC's commitment to Scotland's rural communities."Tributes to BBC Radio Orkney's Dave Gray after his death at 63 - 22 February 2024 - BBC News Gray interviewed ITV broadcaster Lorraine Kelly shortly before his death, with Kelly paying tribute on Instagram, "Just heard the very sad news that BBC Radio Orkney legend Dave Gray has died. I saw him just two weeks ago when I was in Orkney and we had a great chat. He will be sorely missed - my sincere condolences to his family and all of his friends."Lorraine Kelly shares 'very sad news' as she pays emotional tribute to BBC star- 23 February 2024 - Daily RecordLorraine Kelly struck by loss weeks after last meeting - 23 February 2024 - Manchester Evening News
Legacy Gray remains a well known figure in Orkney. Programmes and interviews presented by him have occasionally been repeated on BBC Radio Orkney. The February 2025 edition of compilation programme Orkney Prime Cuts, broadcast on 27th February 2025, was produced as a tribute to Gray. During the hour long programme, the previously untransmitted pilot of the radio comedy Portree Broadcasting Corporation was aired for the first time. It was recorded in 2004, and features Gray and other BBC radio presenters in Scotland.
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