14 Gaelic programmes from BBC ALBA and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal have earned nominations for this year’s Celtic Media Festival awards, which are to be held in Llanelli between the 2nd-4th of May.

Amongst the television programmes nominated are Eòrpa, with a special report from Ukraine; Gàidhlig Obar Dheathain by Midas Media; and, with a programme about women’s football, Breab agus Buaidh by Matchlight.

Produced by BBC Gàidhlig, Eòrpa won an award at the Scottish BAFTAs five months ago and another prize would set another milestone for a programme which is just about to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Speaking about the nominated programme, Eòrpa: Ukrainian Paralympians, producer Rebecca MacLennan said: “This is a very personal report and we need to give special thanks to Anton for telling us his story. This shows the recognition and worth that Eòrpa has in bringing audiences these fascinating stories.”

Production company Bees Nees Media saw three of its BBC ALBA series shortlisted, including two music series, Port and Seirm and their new series Scotstar – Teasairginn Èiginneach, which followed the Air Ambulance teams that offer a life-saving service to the remotest parts of Scotland.

Iain MacLeod from Bees Nees said: “Bees Nees are delighted that three of our series – Port, Seirm and Scotstar, have been shortlisted for the Celtic Media Awards. It’s a great honour for us and we’re eagerly anticipating the awards ceremony in Wales.”

Gàidhlig Obar Dheathain by Midas Media was nominated in the History category with its examination of the history of the Gaelic language in Aberdeen, speaking to Gaelic speakers from the area but also those in the city who are opposed to the language.

Producer, Patricia MacLeod, said: “The north east is not generally known as a Gaelic area, and it is very rewarding to produce a documentary that not only shows that Gaelic is thriving in Aberdeen, but that it also has a very long history in this region.”

In the Sports Documentary category, Matchlight earned a nomination for Breab agus Buaidh, which followed the international women’s team as they prepared for Euro 2017, building on the already strong relationship between women’s football and BBC ALBA. Breab agus Buaidh will compete against Rocky Ros Muc, another programme which was seen on BBC ALBA, which was made in partnership between different countries and production companies.

Margaret Mary Murray, BBC ALBA’s Head of Service, said: “It’s amazing to see internationally minded programmes like Seirm, Port and Eòrpa getting recognition like this – showing that BBC ALBA appreciates, and is appreciated in, the wider world. Our Scottish programming though is at our core and it’s promising to see programmes like Gàidhlig Obar Dheathain getting considered alongside other excellent content from our Celtic Media Partners.”

In the radio categories, Seumas MacDonald from Gaelic news was nominated for Radio Presenter of the Year and Radio nan Gàidheal was once again shortlisted for Radio Station of the Year.

Marion MacKinnon, Managing Editor of BBC Gàidhlig, said: “I’m so proud of the teams that are creating and delivering exceptionally good programmes. We’d be delighted to win an award or two, to prove again the value of BBC Radio nan Gàidheal to its loyal listeners.”

Amongst the other radio programmes to be shortlisted are: Balach à Borghastan and Canada 150 will compete against each other in the documentary category; Mac Ille Mhìcheil (Sorbier for Radio nan Gàidheal) and Rapal are both shortlisted for music programmes; and Beag air Bheag and Coinneach MacÌomhair were both nominated for best magazine show.

Both Lisbon ’67 agus Spòrs na Seachdain are nominated for best sport radio show, with Spòrs na Seachdain hoping to win the award for the third consecutive year.

For more information go to www.celticmediafestival.co.uk