Born and raised a few kilometres from the site of the Battle of Culloden, Tom spent much of his formative years astride a bicycle touring the countryside and coastline, and establishing a tentative relationship with the game of golf.

Radio was an early interest. It brought the world to his ears, from the deep water trawlers and offshore fishing fleet, to the 'pirate' broadcasts of Radio Luxembourg, and the English language news broadcasts from Bejing and Moscow, New York and Buenos Aires. In the winter of 1956, he watched a seemingly endless series of helicopter flights from the nearby military airfields carying food and other supplies to the communities of Caithness and Sutherland, cut off by one of the worst snowfalls of the century. And kept in touch with the unfolding drama by radio.

The proceeds of one summer's work as a grouse beater on the moors flanking the Grampian Mountains were invested in a four track tape recorder, and opened up the world of sound recording.

After graduation from Glasgow University Tom undertook teacher training. It was a time of emigration from the Highlands, and there were few skilled jobs available in the area, but teachers were needed, and he quickly found a place in Oban High School's Geography Department.

Progressing to Head of Department a few years later, he also joined forces with a group of Round Tablers who were raising funds to provide a Hospital Radio service for Oban's five hospitals. The group installed cables in the hospitals and built a small studio in one of the hospitals, conveniently next door to Oban High School. Over the next twenty years Tom worked with Radio Lorn in every position from Chairman to studio cleaner, producing programmes, organising programme schedules, and training aspiring broadcasters including a number of Oban High students.

His technological interests proved useful when Argyll set up its Technical and Vocational Educational Initiative. Tom became Deputy Coordinator and then Coordinator of the $3million project, introducing computers and other new technology to schools, training teachers and technicians, librarians and administrators, and fostering and supporting a range of innovations.

Radio Lorn petered out, but by that time the UK was opening the door to community radio stations. The Rev Andy Campbell of Oban's Church of Scotland, who had also been a major pillar of Radio Lorn, came to see Tom about the new opportunity, and from this emerged a group which formed Oban FM Radio and won a licence to broadcast. Another studio to design and build, more volunteers to train, more jobs to do, outside broadcasts to organise and man, and more programmes to produce - Tom was in his element.

In 1993, Oban became linked with Laurinburg, North Carolina, and Tom undertook to develop that link within Oban High School. His first trip to Laurinburg in 1994, revealed to him the breadth, strength and passion of the Scottish commuity in the US. A link with WLNC radio in Laurinburg was a natural, and over the next few years he undertook several live simulcasts, including a couple of Christmas Eve services.

Another career move brought him back into the staff development role, travelling the length and breadth of Argyll, and beyond, and developing additional presentational skills.

Moving to New York in 2001, Tom continues his involvement with Oban FM Radio, contributing the monthly 'Notes from New York' which has been the springboard for 'The Scottish Connection'. His microphone has already visited most of the Scottish events in the Tri State area, and is always ready to pick up Scottish voices or stories. Should you see it at your event - don't be a stranger.

Watch out for Tom Laurenson and 'Hamish' (the fur clad microphone) at Tartan Day in Manhattan - April 5th 2003.

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