BBC ALBA has earned a nomination at this year’s Royal Television Society (RTS) Scotland awards for quirky children’s drama Rùn.

Rùn (Private Pet) tells the wry and heart-warming story of a mischievous deaf boy whose world is transformed by a four-legged friend who becomes the “ears” he never had.

The prestigious RTS Scotland Awards are the gold standard of achievement in the television industry, recognising excellence across programme making and broadcasting skills.

The programme is nominated in the Children’s category, and features a talented first time deaf actor, Cieran, alongside two of the best known faces of Gaelic screen, Carina MacLeod and Calum MacKinnon.

Incorporating Gaelic and BSL (British Sign Language), the short drama will be shown across Europe as part of the wider European Broadcasting Union (EBU) scheme.

The programme, produced by Sorbier Productions from Glasgow, received funding from the new Young Audience Content Fund (YACF), which is managed by the British Film Institute (BFI).

Patsi MacKenzie, director of Sorbier Productions, said:

“Rùn tells a story of inclusivity and friendship, things that are important with all cultures and languages and it’s inspiring that we have again been recognised at the RTS Scotland Awards.”

BBC ALBA have taken part in the EBU drama scheme for a number of years and last year’s selection Buidheagain, also by Sorbier Productions, won Best Children’s Programme at the RTS Scotland Awards 2019.

Bill MacLeod, Commissioning Editor at MG ALBA, which operates BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC, said:

“Our children’s content on BBC ALBA is fantastic and working with Sorbier we’ve managed to get some really beautiful films in the last few years.”

“We’re creating content that is universally relatable and appealing and working with international organisations and partners means we can bring our own audiences more diversity and original perspectives. Combining Gaelic and British Sign Language was a really important thing for us to do. It’s a sign of the skill of the writers, director and actors that you never stop to question the mix of languages – you just enjoy a wonderful story.”

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, there will be no formal ceremony to accompany this year’s RTS Scotland Awards, but winners will be announced 3 June 2020.