The switchover — don’t get stitched up!

For most of Arran, the switchover to digital TV will start this month, on May 11th. It should be complete by the 25th. If your TV service is provided by satellite, you won’t be affected by the changeover, but everyone else will get no signal after the change unless they have a digibox enabling them to receive TV as before. People who live on the west of the island, where the TV reception comes from a different transmitter, will not have to change their system until next year.

The BBC’s Help Scheme is designed to make things easier for elderly people who may find all this confusing. If you are over 75 or registered blind or in receipt of Disability Living Allowance, or have been living in a care home for at least 6 months, everything you need for the switchover can be provided for no more than £40. It makes sense to take advantage of this, as some unscrupulous tradesmen are charging elderly people far more. If you know of anyone who comes into this category and is in danger of being ripped off, please tell them about this. The Help Scheme can be contacted by calling 0800 4085900.