The station, in the early years, was known as Waves AM, broadcasting from a studio at the Lido beach area in Peterhead, during the town's annual Scottish Week celebrations.

The station ceased broadcasting in July 1996 and was unable to transmit over the festive period due to the announcement of the full-time licence.

After gaining a full-time licence, Waves Radio launched on 6 December 1997, from studios at Blackhouse Circle and transmitter at Mormond Hill.

A further takeover bid concluded later on the same year, with a group headed by Preston-based businessman Neil Stafford gaining control of the station.

[1] In April 2024, Ofcom announced that the license had been transferred to WBC Media CIC[2] and would operate under the name Coast Radio.