THE future of controversial Scot FM broadcaster Scottie McClue will be debated by the station's management today after his suspension from the airwaves following a #3000 fine from radio watchdogs.

An emergency meeting is expected to take place at the station's headquarters in Leith.

The 40-year-old ``shock jock'' broadcaster, originally from Greenock, was suspended after he was rapped by the Radio Authority over the use of the word ``bastard'' to describe the children of single mothers.

The station was fined after an Edinburgh father complained about the comment. It is the third time he has been criticised by watchdogs. He was previously in trouble over remarks about lesbians and his insults to a female caller.

McClue, real name Colin Lamont, is said to attract 500,000 listeners every week to his mid-morning show to hear him insult callers.

However, Mr Alex Horsburgh, a former employee of the station, last night claimed McClue's supension was a publicity stunt to attract more listeners to the station.

``If you remember TV-AM, they had Roland Rat to save them. Scottie McClue is Scot FM's Roland Rat. There is no way they will dump their prize star. That would be getting rid of the goose that lays the golden egg,'' he said.

Station spokesman Cameron Pirie last night confirmed the broadcaster had been taken off the air but could not say when McClue would return.

He strongly denied the claim that the suspension of the station's most popular broadcaster was a publicity stunt to draw more listeners.

``I can tell you it is not. I don't know when he will be returning. We are going to have further discussions. A meeting will be taking place tomorrow,'' he said.

The slot will be filled meantime by regular stand-in Terry McGeadie, who is expected to apologise on air for McClue's gaffe.