BBC ALBA unveils a packed autumn schedule of new programmes today (22 September) with stories which share fresh perspectives on Scotland and beyond.
The channel will screen an array of fascinating documentaries, a host of stunning music programming and weekly sport, offering insights into lives and passions in Scotland today.
Trusadh, BBC ALBA’s award-winning documentary strand, clicks into the autumn by shining a light on video games in Trusadh: Gaming – The Next Level. Avid gamer MJ Deans takes a tour of consoles from the 70s to the present day. From Pong to Pac-man, MJ revisits some of the old classics while finding out about Scotland’s contribution to the industry.
Compelling personal stories lie at the heart of many of BBC ALBA’s factual programmes.
In Fàilte gu Alba / Welcome to Scotland, singer and musician Mischa Macdelves deeper into Glasgow’s reputation for offering a warm, friendly reception to refugees and asylum seekers. Mischa meets people creating new lives for themselves in the city and, through music, she learns their stories and hears of the importance of music to them.
Award-winning current affairs programme Eòrpa also returns in October with an hour-long special meeting Ukrainian refugees in both Scotland and Moldova, as well as exploring the impact of the ongoing conflict on their lives.
Closer to home, St Cuthbert’s Way we join presenter Iagan MacNeil as he dons his hiking boots and follows in the footsteps of the 7th century hermit, healer and bishop, St Cuthbert on a fascinating and iconic 62-mile-long pilgrims’ route which straddles the border between Scotland and England.
A host of entertaining series also feature in BBC ALBA’s schedule this autumn, with craft and design, outdoor adventure and cookery all served up.
Dàna | Scotland’s Wild Side accompanies Coinneach Rankin as he continues his exciting escapades, often involving dangling from a scarily steep rock face or trudging through bogs, mist and midges. Adventure and awe are guaranteed!
Fillte goes on a journey across Scotland to discover the history and contemporary hand-crafted practice underpinning the work of artisan producers of stunning woven fabrics.
And, back home in the kitchen, Gregor Macleod’s Fuine bakes mouth-watering sweet and savoury treats and seeks inspiration in the company of talented home bakers.
Music is a centrepiece in BBC ALBA’s schedule and a real treat lies in store with Skye electronic band Niteworks. A pacey documentary shares the band’s story in a post-lockdown world as they work with producer Andrea Gobbi to bring their new album to fruition. Their mesmerising Celtic Connections performance, with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (BBC SSO) will also be showcased.
More Celtic Connections festival specials include Capercaillie and Sian, the former accompanied by the BBC SSO.
BBC ALBA will also be providing coverage of trad music calendar staples such as the Na Worlds, the Royal National Mòd and the semi-finals of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Awards, with the final being broadcast early in 2023.
BBC ALBA’s sport offering strides into the new season with regular live coverage of the SWPL, the women’s national team World Cup qualifying games and continuing deferred coverage of the Scottish Premiership.
On October 6, BBC ALBA will provide live coverage as Scotland’s women look to boost their World Cup qualifying campaign with a play-off win against Austria.
Women’s Sport 360, the weekly action packed magazine show presented by Iona Ballantyne, gets to the heart of incredible and empowering Scottish sport stories.
Fabulous treats lie in store for younger viewers with two new fun-filled series: Pròiseact Plòigh and Triùir aig Trì.
In Pròiseact Plòigh, science and comedy collide under the watchful eyes of Professor Olive and Dr Moiteal. Kids from around the country challenge the experts to explain how and why things do what they do.
And finally a brand new drama series, Triùir aig Trì, delves into the haphazard world of Number 3 – an island hotel that hosts the capers of sisters Della and Lou, and their new friend Marco.
Reflecting on the autumn schedule, BBC ALBA Head of Gaelic Services &, Margaret Mary Murray, said: “We are delighted to share what we feel is an incredibly diverse and fresh offering of original programming to viewers this autumn.
“From our documentaries to our children’s content and all the wonderful stories in between, BBC ALBA is bringing new perspectives from Scotland and beyond to our screens.
“There is something for everyone and we hope people can join us and enjoy ALBA this Autumn.”
The full range of programmes is available in the BBC ALBA digital autumn schedule and can be viewed on BBC iPlayer in Scotland and across the UK.
