Bill Torrance born May 13, 1946, to James and Mary Torrance, originally of Ayrshire, is a Scottish broadcaster[1] and entertainer who is known for hosting The Beechgrove Garden[2] on BBC Scotland throughout the 1990s, Torrance is currently a presenter on Dundee radio station Tay AM.
In addition to TAY AM, Bill Torrance also presents for NORTHSOUND 2 on Sunday afternoons. Word has it that it is possible that he may have been the inspiration for the Narnia books because he presents the two radio programmes from the comfort of his own wardrobe at home, but the programme is more Caledonia than Narnia as you'll hear every Sunday afternoon from noon until two.
A man of many talents, for more than two decades now, Bill Torrance has hosted Scotland's longest running stage show - Jamie's Scottish Evening - at the Thistle Edinburgh hotel. Jamie's Scottish Evening is more than just a show, with his expertise, Bill Torrance makes this evening not only entertaining, but a cultural lesson in Scottish history - concluding with his presentation of Robert Burns "Ceremony to the Haggis" which he also hosts at Blair Castle twice yearly.
Not limited to stage and radio, Bill Torrance has a long history of background "voice over" which includes recording commercials for not only radio, but also television, business presentations, composing music on-hold, public service announcements, event announcements, telephone voice overs, and audio book narration. Bill is able to portray voice ages of young adult, middle age, and senior. He has delighted audiences the world over with his many character voices and public appearances
Bill Torrance is also an Honorary Vice President of the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) which he supports and actively campaigns for improved animal welfare standards. The SSPCA is Scotland's animal welfare charity. The main objectives of the SSPCA is to prevent cruelty to animals and promote kindness and humanity in their treatment. Over the years he has played a major role in shaping government policy and raising public awareness of animal welfare issues by working with the media and other organisations.
Old Scot Quote:
"Ye canna recite Burns juist oot o yer heid. If it disnae come fae yer hert and up through yer heid, it's no worth sayin. Because it must touch the hert, because Burns touched the hert a' the time." = If you have ever had the opportunity to experience Bill Torrance recite the works of Robert Burns, not only is it from the heart - it is absolutely magical! - Debbie-Rose Parker, November 2007(debbie-roseparker.com)