MG ALBA has published its Annual Report for 2025/26 following a year marked by growing digital audiences, continued investment in original content and a renewed focus on ensuring Gaelic language and culture thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape.
The report reflects a year of progress for Gaelic media, with audiences increasingly engaging with content across digital platforms while audience appreciation remained close to historic highs. Across BBC ALBA, LearnGaelic, SpeakGaelic and FilmG, overall reach remained steady despite wider declines in traditional television viewing, highlighting a significant shift in how audiences are choosing to access Gaelic content.
MG ALBA Chair, John Morrison, said: “Gaelic content must follow our audiences to digital platforms. If we don’t, we risk losing them forever.
The success we’ve seen across digital content, learning platforms, live sport and award-winning productions demonstrates the appetite that exists for Gaelic media. The challenge now is ensuring we have the resources and long-term certainty needed to build on that success.”
Highlights from the year included continued international recognition for An t-Eilean, which helped showcase Gaelic drama on the European stage, and the success of Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands, which followed Coinneach MacLeod on a Nordic adventure and proved a popular addition to BBC iPlayer. Digital-first commissions such as Somhairle Spins and Rudan Beaga Bòidheach continued to attract younger audiences, with Somhairle Spins later winning the Prix CIRCOM award for Most Original and Innovative Programme. Meanwhile, SpeakGaelic and LearnGaelic continued to perform strongly, with SpeakGaelic now attracting more than 100,000 followers on Instagram.
In sport, BBC ALBA secured the rights to broadcast matches from Italy’s Serie A as the nation’s attention turned towards the men’s World Cup. The agreement represented a significant coup for Gaelic broadcasting, with BBC ALBA becoming the only free-to-air channel in the UK showing live matches featuring Scottish stars. Their performances on the pitch also drove strong engagement across BBC ALBA’s digital and social platforms, helping attract new audiences to Gaelic sports coverage.
The brand-new Mas Fhìor, produced by Beezr Studios, also marked BBC ALBA’s first quiz show format for several years, reflecting MG ALBA’s commitment to broadening the range of content available to Gaelic audiences.
MG ALBA invested £10.5M directly into commissioned content during the year, resulting in 325 hours of MG ALBA-funded programming. The organisation also continued to attract significant co-investment from partners across the creative industries, helping to bring ambitious Gaelic projects to audiences in Scotland and beyond.
Despite these successes, the report notes that financial pressures continue to present challenges across the broadcasting sector. New content now accounts for 22% of BBC ALBA’s output, compared with 40% when the channel launched in 2008, while production inflation continues to place pressure on commissioning budgets. While increased support from the Scottish Government provided greater certainty for the year ahead, MG ALBA says sustainable, long-term funding remains essential if Gaelic media is to continue investing in new content, talent development and digital innovation.
Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA, said: “Audience habits are changing rapidly and Gaelic media must continue to evolve alongside them. This year has shown encouraging growth across digital platforms while maintaining strong levels of audience appreciation.
The full Annual Report is available here.
Peter Sandground
The winners of FilmG 18 were announced on Thursday night (11th June 2026) at the FilmG Awards, held at the SEC in Glasgow and hosted by BBC ALBA’s Siobhan Sutherland.
The annual Gaelic short film competition awards celebrated filmmakers across its three competitions, -12, -18 and 18+, with awards presented across categories including drama, comedy, factual, heritage, creativity, art, and the FilmG Choice Awards.
A total of 157 films were entered into FilmG this year, with 38 entries in the 18+ competition, 60 in the -18 competition and 59 in the newly introduced -12 competition.
The overall Best Film award in the 18+ competition was awarded to Ceartas by Amber Blake, the first-time entrant who also won the Factual category and the Filmmaker award.
Holly Pearson
Other 18+ winners included Slàinte! by Choirstaidh NicArtair, for Drama; A Bheil an Cù ag Èisteachd? by Charlotte Rose McNeish, for Comedy; Piuthar Sgàthain by Lucy Keegan, winner of the new Art category; Ainmean-àite Caillte Àrnasdail by Cailean Robertson, which won Heritage; and Faire agus Fuine, with Ró Ó hEadhra winning the Performance award. The 18+ FilmG Choice Award went to Nach Buidhe Dhut, the viral Gaelic hip hop music video, specifically made for FilmG by Limonead.
In the -18 competition, Ophelia by Rachel Rose Munro won Drama, while Ceathrad Bliadhna – Gun Ghearan (Cha Mhòr) by Inverness Royal Academy won Comedy. Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl by Willow NicFhearghais won Factual, and Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd by Plockton High School and Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd won the Heritage award. Aig Muir by Uilleam MacDhòmhnaill won the Creativity award, Isbeanan Gu Leòr by Castlebay Secondary School won Performance, and the -18 FilmG Choice Award went to Cha do Shèid Gaoth Riamh by The Nicolson Institute.
In the new -12 competition, Na Traoidhtearan Ainmeil by Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a’ Challtainn in Glasgow won Drama, Salmaidh by Sgoil nan Loch won the Heritage prize, and Mairi Mhòr nan Òran – Bana-ghaisgeach Ghàidhealach by Bun-sgoil Dhùn Bheagain won two awards, for Comedy and for the -12 FilmG Choice Award.
Murdo MacSween, FilmG Project Director, said: “The FilmG Awards are a brilliant celebration of Gaelic filmmaking and of the talent coming through FilmG at every level.
“This year’s winners show exactly why FilmG matters. We saw primary schools, secondary pupils, community voices, emerging filmmakers and more experienced creators all using Gaelic to tell stories in their own way. The standard in the 18+ competition was especially strong, and Amber Blake’s success with Ceartas is a fantastic example of the kind of bold, thoughtful filmmaking that FilmG can help bring forward.
“It was also great to see the new -12 competition work so well in its first year. It gives primary schools a clear space within FilmG, while allowing the -18 competition to focus more closely on high school-age filmmakers. Across all three competitions, there is a lot to be encouraged by.”
Margaret Cameron, Director of Content at MG ALBA, said: “FilmG continues to play an important role in supporting Gaelic voices and developing creative talent for the future.
“The films celebrated at the awards reflect the strength, imagination and range of Gaelic storytelling today. From young people making their first films to emerging filmmakers creating ambitious new work, FilmG gives people a platform to create in Gaelic and to share their stories with audiences across Scotland and beyond.
“MG ALBA is proud to support FilmG and we congratulate all of this year’s winners, nominees and entrants.”
Full list of FilmG 18 winners
-12 Competition
Drama
Na Traoidhtearan Ainmeil – Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a’ Challtainn
Comedy
Mairi Mhòr nan Òran – Bana-ghaisgeach Ghàidhealach – Bun-sgoil Dhùn Bheagain
Heritage
Salmaidh – Sgoil nan Loch
FilmG Choice Award
Mairi Mhòr nan Òran – Bana-ghaisgeach Ghàidhealach – Bun-sgoil Dhùn Bheagain
-18 Competition
Drama
Ophelia – Rachel Rose Munro
Comedy
Ceathrad Bliadhna – Gun Ghearan (Cha Mhòr) – Acadamaidh Rìoghail Inbhir Nis
Factual
Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl – Willow NicFhearghais
Heritage
Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd – Àrd-sgoil a’ Phluic agus Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd
Creativity
Aig Muir – Uilleam MacDhòmhnaill
Performance
Isbeanan Gu Leòr – Sgoil Bhàgh a’ Chaisteil
FilmG Choice Award
Cha do Shèid Gaoth Riamh – Àrd-sgoil MhicNeacail
18+ Competition
Drama
Slàinte! – Choirstaidh NicArtair
Comedy
A Bheil an Cù ag Èisteachd? – Charlotte Rose McNeish
Factual
Ceartas – Amber Blake
Art
Piuthar Sgàthain – Lucy Keegan
Heritage
Ainmean-àite Caillte Àrnasdail – Cailean Robasdan
Performance
Faire agus Fuine – Ró Ó hEadhra
Filmmaker
Ceartas – Amber Blake
Best Film
Ceartas – Amber Blake
FilmG Choice Award
Nach Buidhe Dhut – Limonead
All films are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Image – Peter Sandground
Billy Bùrach, the Gaelic children’s drama scooped the Children’s category award at the RTS Scotland Awards on 12th June at the Old Fruitmarket Glasgow. Produced by The 90, the film was directed by John Murdo MacAulay, produced by Ann Morrison and the script written by Will Murray.
BBC ALBA productions and talent were recognised across a wide range of categories at this year’s Royal Television Society (RTS) Scotland Awards, with nominations spanning documentary, entertainment, children’s programming, current affairs, sport, live events and craft.
Held annually, the RTS Scotland Awards celebrate excellence in television production and broadcasting across Scotland, recognising the programmes and creative talent shaping the nation’s screen industry.
This year, BBC ALBA productions received 11 nominations across the awards, more than doubling the five nominations received in 2025 and highlighting the breadth and quality of Gaelic content being produced across Scotland.
Image – Peter Sandground
Among the nominated productions was Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands from Caledonia TV Productions, which received two nominations, recognising both presenter Coinneach MacLeod in the On-Screen Personality category and cinematographer Gavin Hopkins in the Camera (Craft) category.
Children’s programming included a nomination for Sgeul Media’s Aidan: Balach Beag Muay Thai while BBC ALBA’s Eòrpa: After the Storm was shortlisted in the Current Affairs category.
Caledonia TV Productions’ acclaimed documentary series Patagonia: Cuairt gu Crìoch na Cruinne received a nomination in the Documentary (Series) category, while Dùbhlain DIY | Instructions Not Included, produced by Demus Productions and Seaglass Pictures, was recognised in Entertainment.
BBC ALBA’s flagship Hogmanay programme Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire 2025 was shortlisted in the Live Event category, while editor Colin Monie received a nomination in Post Production: Editing (Craft) for his work on Black Camel Pictures’ award-winning drama series An t-Eilean.
Also recognised was Rùrachd, which received a nomination in the Original Music Score category. The nomination recognised the work of Prof. Colin Campbell and Nick Turner of Watercolour Studios for their original score for the BBC ALBA production.
Completing the shortlist was Adventure Show – Rèis ITERA from Adventure Show Productions, which received a nomination in the Sport category.
Margaret Cameron, Director of Content at MG ALBA, said: “Congratulations to all those who were nominated and to The 90 for Billy Bùrach, the winning film in the Children’s category. We were delighted to see so many nominations for MG ALBA backed productions for BBC ALBA and another nomination for Eòrpa from the BBC. There was a great spread of genres and some amazing collaborations on the list.”
The RTS Scotland Awards took place at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow on Friday 12th June 2026.
You can watch the full programme on BBC ALBA Clann’s YouTube – Billy Bùrach
© Miikka Varila / Yle
MG ALBA has secured a prestigious industry accolade, with Somhairle Spins named winner of the Prix Circom for Most Original and Innovative, a category celebrating bold ideas, fresh storytelling, and imaginative approaches to European regional television and online content.
The award recognises productions that surprise the jury through originality, creative ambition, and inventive technical execution – both in front of and behind the camera. Judges praised Somhairle Spins as an inspiring and refreshing series that demonstrates how regional storytelling can evolve to engage new audiences in meaningful ways.
Somhairle Spins was commissioned by MG ALBA for BBC ALBA’s YouTube channel & BBC iPlayer. It was first released on 13th Jan 2026, and gained quick traction amongst 18-35 audience across digital platforms. The series follows well‑known content creator Somhairle Johnston as he takes on Scotland by bike, joined by friends, family, and surprise guests. The series is full of laughs, adventure, and the joys (and challenges!) of cycling, set against striking Scottish landscapes.
Prix CIRCOM continues to be a key platform for recognising excellence and innovation in regional broadcasting and in 2026, has set a new record with 272 entries from across Europe.
Judging took place in April this year and brought together jury members from 14 countries. For the first time, the jury was supported by a group of young social media users, offering insight into how digital audiences engage with news and storytelling.
The jury highlighted the series’ bold digital‑first approach, combining dynamic self‑shot footage, fast‑paced editing, and high‑quality visual design to deliver a genuinely fresh storytelling style. The use of multiple cameras, including GoPros, and personal devices, creates an intimate and immersive experience, while active audience interaction strengthens engagement beyond the screen. The series blends humour, accessibility, and landscape-led storytelling into a highly relatable viewing experience. Leveraging Somhairle’s established popularity on social media was noted as a smart and creative casting choice, successfully attracting a younger audience to the broadcaster.
The production model behind the series was in itself innovative. As well as leveraging Somhairle’s own experience in self-shooting for digital platforms, MG ALBA and Solus Productions established a knowledge-share collaboration, pairing existing Gaelic Director & Edit talent with a Director and Editor specialising in digital‑first content. This approach ensured the series felt native to digital audiences and authentically Gaelic, while also supporting skills development within the Gaelic production sector.
Lisa Annette, Executive Producer for MG ALBA said: “This series was commissioned as part of a wider strategy at MG ALBA to take more creative risks in order to better serve our younger audiences, and we’re proud to receive this recognition. To win in a category that celebrates innovation, originality and bold ideas reflects the exceptional talent and commitment of everyone involved in bringing Somhairle Spins to life.”
Jim Webster, Executive Producer from Solus Productions said: “Everyone at Solus is delighted that Somhairle Spins has been recognised by winning such a prestigious award. Somhairle, Jonny and everyone in the team brought a thrilling series together filled with wit, warmth and ingenuity. The whole process was supported brilliantly along the way by Lisa and her team at MG ALBA.”
The award was accepted by Somhairle Johnston (Presenter), Jonny Ashworth (Director) & Lisa Annette (Executive Producer for MG ALBA) at the CIRCOM regional Conference in Tampere on 21st May 2026.
The entire series is available to watch on BBC ALBA’s YouTube.
MG ALBA today hosted key partners, stakeholders and funders on the set of the award-winning Gaelic crime drama An t-Eilean, as filming continues across Lewis and Harris on its second series.
Visiting cast and crew on location in Breasclete, representatives from Ofcom, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) and VisitScotland saw first-hand the scale and impact of the multi-partner funded production.
The four-part drama, produced by Black Camel Pictures, is midway through a seven-week shoot in the Western Isles. The production is expected to deliver around £1 million to the local island economy, with 50 crew and 30 cast working across multiple locations.
Five step-up training opportunities – backed by the British Film Institute, Creative Scotland and MG ALBA – have been created across editing, sound, directing and digital content, supporting skills development in the Highlands and Islands and expanding the Gaelic-speaking talent pool.
The first series of An t-Eilean was broadcast in January 2025 on BBC ALBA, followed by BBC Four, attracting audiences of around two million. It went on to secure international distribution and was recognised as the best TV show in European regional television, with CIRCOM’s Grand Prix and Best Entertainment and Drama Award in 2025, marking it as the most successful Gaelic-language television production. The new series builds on that success, with an expanded cast of returning and emerging talent.
The return of An t-Eilean reflects the strength of collaboration across the sector, with additional support from Screen Scotland, the BBC, CnES, HIE, Black Camel Pictures and All3Media International.
John Morrison, Chair of MG ALBA said: “The success of An t-Eilean demonstrates the growing reach and confidence of Gaelic-language drama, not only as a cultural asset but as a driver of economic and creative opportunity for the Highlands and Islands.
“This production is bringing significant investment into local communities, creating valuable skills opportunities and showcasing Lewis and Harris to audiences across the UK and internationally.
“The continued success of An t-Eilean reflects the strength of partnership working across the sector and underlines the importance of sustained investment in Gaelic broadcasting and screen production.”
Cllr Paul Steele, Leader of CnES, said: “We are pleased to have been able to support this significant production with a funding contribution and through use of the Comhairle-owned Studio Alba for filming over the period. An t‑Eilean has already demonstrated the very real economic, cultural and reputational benefits that high‑quality screen production can bring to the Outer Hebrides. Supporting the second series aligns closely with our economic strategy, strengthens our creative industries, and helps ensure that the islands continue to be seen as a centre for Gaelic language, culture and talent.”
Joanna Peteranna, Director of Area Operations at HIE, said: “We are very pleased to support the
An t‑Eilean production, which demonstrates the economic and cultural value of Gaelic screen content to the region. The production is expected to generate significant local economic activity, while supporting local jobs, businesses and services. Just as importantly, it is helping to build long‑term capacity in the Gaelic screen sector through targeted training and skills development, ensuring talented people can build creative careers in and from our island communities.”
images © John Maher
Tapadh leibh airson ùidh a ghabhail ann an Cairt a BhBC agus na cothroman a dh’fhaodadh a bhith na lùib airson BBC ALBA.
Thank you far taking an interest in the BBC Charter review and how it could improve BBC ALBA.
Carson a tha seo cudromach | Why this matters
The renewal of the BBC Charter is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to secure the long-term future of Gaelic broadcasting. Right now, BBC ALBA does not have the same legal protections, funding security or prominence as Welsh-language channel S4C. The gap of almost £100 million is significant and growing.
Na tha sinn a’ moladh | Our recommendations
The Secretary of State, in consultation with Scottish Ministers, should determine annual funding for BBC ALBA and Radio nan Gàidheal in the same way and at the same time as S4C.
This should clearly state:
This would provide stability, clarity and parity.
Ofcom should require prominence for BBC ALBA on BBC iPlayer.
This could include:
Gaelic content should be available internationally.
This could mean:
The Charter should guarantee the continuation of a linear BBC ALBA service.
Leugh am pàipear fiosrachaidh | Read the full briefing paper
Download the full briefing: Briefing Note for BBC Charter
GABH PÀIRT | HOW TO TAKE ACTION
Ceann-là | Deadline: 10 March 2026
Access it here: Britain’s Story: The Next Chapter – BBC Royal Charter Review, Green Paper and public consultation – GOV.UK
Complete the survey here: BBC Charter Review Public Consultation
(Question 4 refers specifically to Gaelic media.)
Email: bbccharterreview@dcms.gov.uk
Ensure it arrives by the deadline:
BBC Charter Review Team
Department for Culture, Media & Sport
100 Parliament Street
London
SW1A 2BQ
TAPADH LEIBH | THANK YOU
