Gaelic media has been recognised with 14 nominations for the 2021 Celtic Media Festival awards, including programmes from BBC ALBA and Radio nan Gàidheal, and the National Theatre of Scotland.
Two Peat & Diesel programmes were nominated; the documentary That’s the Way We Do It! and their Glasgow concert From the Barrow to the Barrowlands and producers MacTV also picked up a third nod for their Covid-special of An Lot, following the life of crofter Donald “Sweeny” MacSween.
BBC ALBA’s biographical documentaries were also in focus with nominations for Curaidh na Coille (Birdman of Pollok), Crodh Gàidhealach an Àird Bhàin (The Highland Cattle of Ardbhan) and a profile of Margaret Fay Shaw which earned two nominations, including one for the prestigious Spirit of the Festival award.
BBC Radio nan Gàidheal has also been nominated for station of the year alongside a nomination for the popular broadcaster Cathy MacDonald as Presenter of the Year.
Danni the Champion, a bilingual Gaelic and English film by the National Theatre of Scotland picked up a nomination in the Short Form category.
Margaret Cameron, Commissioning Editor & Head of Creative Collaborations at MG ALBA, said: “It’s great to see such distinctive Gaelic content being recognised. We know our audiences have loved these programmes and this recognition is hugely valuable. The Celtic Media Festival is a great showcase for multiplatform content and it is great to see such a range of diverse and exciting content from BBC ALBA being recognised by the festival. Congratulations to all.”
The Celtic Media Festival this year takes place online from 7-9 September.
The BBC ALBA programmes which have been shortlisted in 2021 are:
Arts
Peat & Diesel: That’s the Way We Do It! (Produced by MacTV)
Factual Entertainment
An Lot: An Glasadh (Produced by MacTV)
Feature Documentary (over 60 mins):
Crodh Gàidhealach an Àird Bhàin (Produced by TrixPixMedia)
History
Solas – Margaret Fay Shaw of Canna (Produced by National Trust for Scotland)
Live Music Programme: Peat & Diesel
From the Barrow to the Barrowlands (Produced by MacTV)
Single Documentary
Curaidh na Coille / The Birdman of Pollok (Produced by BBC Gàidhlig)
Spirit of the Festival
Margaret Fay Shaw of Canna (Produced by National Trust of Scotland)
In addition to its nomination in the category for Radio Station of the Year, BBC Radio nan Gàidheal also has several nominations across radio categories:
Radio Documentary
Fèin-aithne
Radio Magazine Show
Feasgar
Radio Music Programme (Live)
Mac IlleMhìcheil
Radio Sports
Spòrs na Seachdain
Radio Presenter of the Year
Cathy MacDonald
Glasgow School of Art graduate and MG ALBA apprentice Choirstaidh MacArthur stars in A’ Chùil, a brand-new series starting on CBBC ALBA where Choirstaidh, will share her artistic know-how with younger Gaelic viewers.
As a student at Glasgow School of Art, and working part-time hospitality shifts, Choirstaidh was struggling to find the chance to develop the skills she was learning at university – until the first lockdown.
“I’d always continued to make art while I worked in bars and restaurants but being on minimum wage meant I didn’t have enough money to print my artwork. Suddenly not having to work long, unsociable hours meant I could spend my evenings and weekends creating art.”
She said: “Although it would have been nice not have an awful global pandemic, it gave me the chance to have a bit of downtime and do what I enjoy, and all these great opportunities came along.”
Greenock-born Choirstaidh first came onto the BBC ALBA radar during this time as a lockdown-inspired project, A-staigh, gave voice to Gaelic-speakers across the country.
Using the opportunity to showcase her art, this caught the attention of the BBC ALBA commissioners who decided to try out Choirstaidh in her own little studio space called A’ Chùil.
This is her first time as a TV presenter and she said: “It was slightly daunting at first but after a couple of days things started to click and I began to understand how you do everything, so it became really interesting.”
Throughout the series, Choirstaidh gives viewers the chance to ask questions about art and find out about her own artistic inspirations.
“There’s a Frida Kahlo episode on self-portraiture and how you can make a picture of yourself out of the things you love most in the world and there is an episode on Hilma af Klint, an early abstract artist, and how you can draw without making a plan to get your feelings across.”
“We also do lots of fun crafts – we have an episode where we make our own fossils and we try continuous line drawing, where you look at an object, and without looking at the paper you draw with one continuous line.”
A’ Chùil brings the thinking behind some of the worlds great artists onto a tactile level, allowing young people to try things that they may never have thought of doing before.
“Art is ultimately not that difficult,” says Choirstaidh, “it’s all about being intuitive and making stuff. There’s something for all ages and there are opportunities to learn new skills. I hope children who maybe don’t get much access to art like A’ Chùil and find it lots of fun.”
A’ Chùil begins Tuesday 7 June at 16.45 on BBC ALBA, weekly until 9 September.
MG ALBA is paying respects to former board member (2008-2011) Professor Kenneth MacKinnon.
MG ALBA Chief Executive, Donald Campbell, said:
“Professor Kenneth MacKinnon was a hugely important and influential Gaelic academic whose research and insights are still being used today.
He served on the MG ALBA board at a critical time in the early years of BBC ALBA and helped to steer Gaelic broadcasting and indeed Gaelic development throughout his life.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”
MG ALBA is helping to celebrate Mìos nan Gàidheal / Nova Scotia Gaelic Month, with 2 short, Canadian Gaelic films being made available not only to BBC ALBA viewers, but worldwide on BBC ALBA’s YouTube.
The two films, The Espresso Machine and The Unhappy Pioneers will be available to view over the first week of May, to mark the beginning of Nova Scotia’s Gaelic month, through a partnership between MG ALBA and 1913 Films, who produced the shorts.
In The Espresso Machine, Ealasaid is faced with an awkward situation – her best friend Ailig has recently split up with his girlfriend, Una, but that’s not the only thing bothering her – Ealasaid loaned her fancy coffee machine to Una, and is now slightly concerned she might not see it again…
Two Scottish settlers are at the heart of The Unhappy Pioneers, having just arrived in Nova Scotia. It’s not exactly what they imagined, so they turn to the slimy land agent for some help.
Both films can be seen on BBC ALBA’s YouTube for 7 days, and more info about Mìos nan Gàidheal / Nova Scotia Gaelic Month can be found here.
A new series on BBC ALBA celebrates the rich tradition and history of Gaelic poetry and its continued relevance in the present day.
In this series called Dàn twelve people choose and read the poems that are most important to them or that have had an effect on them. The 12 programmes were made by Caledonia TV for BBC ALBA.
Caledonia TV Producer Ramsay MacMahon, said: “Poetry is so powerful. It can transport us to other places, it can remind us of a particular person or period in time and it can tell us about our history and the world we live in.
“There is a great breadth of the most beautiful Gaelic verse across the 12 short programmes. From humorous poems to lullabies, the famous Gaelic bards to lesser-known ones, from village poets to ancient poetry that we often hear sung.”
The entire series will be available on iPlayer from this Saturday, April 24. After that each programme will be broadcast on BBC ALBA each day at 7.55pm from Monday to Thursday starting on Monday, April 26 until Thursday, May 13.
The series will also be available to watch on BBC ALBA YouTube and an English and Gaelic version of each poem will be published on the BBC website, visit: bbc.co.uk/alba
Full listings:
Monday, April 26 – Ep 1: Scottish poet Peter MacKay, originally from the Isle of Lewis, is a lecturer in English literature at St Andrews University. He is an expert in Scottish and Irish literature from 1800 onwards, and especially in Scottish Gaelic literature. He talks about poetry and its importance. He discusses how Lewis poet Iain Crichton Smith has influenced him and reads the poem “Tha thu air Aigeann M’Inntinn.”
Tuesday, April 27 – Ep 2: Eilidh Cormack from the band Sian discusses and reads the poem “Thig Trì Nithean Gun Iarraidh” written by the Daughter of the Laird of Rèilig 300 years ago. She speaks about how its messages of self-respect and confidence in women are still as relevant today.
Wednesday, April 28 – Ep 3: Ross Christie talks about how he came across the work of little-known poet Katharine Whyte Grant from Oban. He reads her poem “Blàith-Fhleasg o Mhòd nam Maca-Meamna” and talks about how poetry has helped immerse him in Gaelic.
Thursday, April 29 – Ep 4: Mairi MacLeod talks about poetry’s ability to transport you back in time. She reads the poem “An t-Seann Dachaigh” by Elizabeth Sutherland from Skye which takes her back to her childhood in Skye and her memories of the oil lamps and peat fires in the houses.
Monday, May 3 – Ep 5: Catriona Murray, broadcaster, writer, editor and chair of the Gaelic Books Council, talks about how poetry can evoke memories of a person. She reads “An Luchag ‘s an Cat” which immediately reminds her of her cousin who is no longer alive. She vividly remembers him reciting the poem as a young boy at the Mòd.
Tuesday, May 4 – Ep 6: Martin MacGregor, senior lecturer in History at the University of Glasgow, talks about the value of poetry as a historical source for historians like himself. He reads the elegy and lullaby “Griogal Cridhe” by Marion Campbell which tells us much about clan rivalry in the Gaidhealtachd in the late 1500s.
Wednesday, May 5 – Ep 7: Iain MacKenzie talks about the link between poetry and place as he reads Derick Thomson’s poem “Air Mòinteach Shuardail.” Both the Isle of Lewis and South America are mentioned in the poem and Iain explains the historical link between the two.
Thursday, May 6 – Ep 8: Linda MacLeod reads the poem “Mar Chuimhneachan air Mo Mhac Ghràdhach” which was written by her great aunt, Morag MacDonald from North Uist, after losing her son. Linda talks about the solace her aunt gained from writing the poem.
Monday, May 10 – Ep 9: Roddy John MacLeod, Lord Minginish QC, is a Scottish solicitor and advocate and was born on from the Isle of Skye. He reads the poem “Òran Mòr MhicLeòid.” He talks about a time in history depicted in the poem when the old clan traditions placing importance on music were fading as the next generation of clan chiefs took over.
Tuesday, May 11 – Ep 10: For Melina Maclean the poem “Ban-Ghàidheal” by Sorley Maclean speaks to her on many levels. She reads the poem and talks about how she relates to the image of a woman carrying a creel of seaweed as her own ancestors would also have done.
Wednesday, May 12 – Ep 11: Rosemary Ward, Director of Programme at Scottish Book Trust, talks of the emotional pull a poem can have on you. She reads Donald MacDonald’s poem about Uist “Còmhradh an Eilthirich ris an Stuaidh” and describes how it makes her feel homesick as an islander who has left home.
Thursday, May 13 – Ep 12: Ewen Henderson, a Glasgow based musician from the band Mànran, talks about how a poem can inspire. He reads “Do dh’Arm Rìgh Sheumais” by Sìleas na Ceapaich and argues that the author’s empowering call to arms and gift for putting together strong opinions elegantly could be useful to us today.
Head to BBC ALBA’s Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for the latest updates about upcoming programmes.
BBC ALBA will bring some of Scotland’s most talented traditional singers and musicians straight into viewers’ living rooms this month with two exclusive programmes from special recordings at the Strathpeffer Pavilion to mark this year’s virtual Fèis Rois festival.
Two concerts will be shown on BBC ALBA, the first will feature all tracks from Lauren MacColl’s The Seer – a Fèis Rois commission from 2017. The music for The Seer was inspired by the life and prophecies of the Brahan Seer and the programme will mix performance and interviews. The second concert will showcase performances from some of Scotland’s top traditional and Gaelic music acts: SIAN, Mairearad & Anna and Project Smok. All bands feature former Fèis Rois participants and to mark the festival’s 35th anniversary the programme will feature interviews from former participants.
One of Scotland’s top arts organisations, Fèis Rois, will host an online festival for the second year running later this month from April 30 – May 3 which will be filled with music and song from Scotland’s best traditional musicians. The Dingwall based arts organisation cancelled its usual spring residential music events in Ullapool for the second year running due to Covid-19, but due to demand it’s back this year with an extended online event. With a wide variety of events including free workshops, concerts, lectures and sessions with musicians including Grammy nominated Irish fiddler, Liz Carroll, neo-trad trio Project Smok, Black Isle fiddler Lauren MacColl, Glenfinnan duo Iain MacFarlane and Ingrid Henderson, Kinnaris Quintet fiddler Laura Wilkie and Gaelic vocal harmony group, SIAN.
Fiona Dalgetty, Fèis Rois Chief Executive, said: “We have had an incredibly busy year at Fèis Rois pivoting our core work to take place online and developing new projects to support freelance artists across the country. We are delighted to be offering paid employment to more than 50 freelance musicians and creative practitioners through our 2021 Virtual Fèis Rois weekend. Following the success of last year’s event, we are working in partnership with BEEZR Studios Ltd to produce two special programmes for BBC ALBA.”
Ewan Duncan, assistant producer at BEEZR Studios Ltd in Glasgow, who produced these programmes for BBC ALBA, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Fèis Rois to bring this fantastic line-up of music programmes to BBC ALBA viewers.
“The past year has been especially challenging for singers and musicians so we’re pleased that we’ve been able to do our bit to support some of these amazingly talented people who just want to perform their music and bring a little joy to people’s lives through these tough times.”
Margaret Cameron, Commissioning Editor for BBC ALBA added: “BBC ALBA is the perfect home for these concerts and we’re pleased to schedule these exclusive concerts on the channel. We’re excited to be working with Fèis Rois on this project which feels like a very natural fit for BBC ALBA. With Beezr Studios we’re also working on other collaborative music projects that will showcase the diversity of Scotland’s musical talent and bring unexpected gems like these to our screens.”
Episode 1: Fèis Rois:The Seer – BBC ALBA, Friday, April 30, 9pm
Episode 2: Fèis Rois 2021 – BBC ALBA, Saturday, May 1, 9pm
Both programmes will also be available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days after they air.
Head to BBC ALBA’s Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for the latest updates about upcoming programmes.
MG ALBA, which operates BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC, has today announced key production contracts that will deliver a wide range of high-impact programming for the channel over the next three years.
Seven production companies will provide content for BBC ALBA and its digital platforms, including entertainment, music, children’s programmes and documentaries.
The contracts have been awarded to companies located across Scotland, including Stornoway, Aberdeen and Glasgow, and mark further significant investment in Scotland’s creative industries.
Agreements have been made in principle with the following companies:
• Mantra TBh (Factual Entertainment)
• Beezr Studios (Music & Events)
• MacTV (Factual/Factual Acquired)
• Caledonia TV (Factual/Factual Entertainment)
• Midas Media (Factual)
• Obh Obh Productions (Children’s)
• Solus Productions (Children’s)
The three-year model for these companies enables security of supply for the channel, as well as creating a stable foundation for companies to grow, including in some genres through international co-productions.
Margaret Cameron, Commissioning Editor & Head of Creative Collaborations at MG ALBA, said: “These new deals aim to ensure we can deliver on our ambition for high-impact content for BBC ALBA audiences in an environment that is increasingly competitive. The last year has seen BBC ALBA suppliers responding with agility and creativity in incredibly challenging circumstances, and our new agreements strengthen that capacity. The multi-year deals create stability and a basis for creative and commercial development.”
Calum Angus Mackay, Managing Director at Mantra TBh said: “The Mantra TBh team and myself are really looking forward to getting the chance to provide new creative programmes for BBC ALBA for the first time within this multi-annual production model.
“With MG ALBA’s unrivalled support, the multi-annual contract is a huge opportunity for Mantra TBh to fulfil its aims; to bring new talent and jobs to the channel, whilst providing captivating programmes for its audiences.”
Patricia MacLeod, director at Midas Media said: “Storytelling is at the heart of our company, and our team at Midas Media feels privileged and proud to be awarded this contract to produce factual programmes for BBC ALBA.
“The three-year deal will give us the platform to create impactful documentaries and allows us the opportunity to develop talent and skills from our base in Aberdeen. We look forward to sharing a range of diverse voices and stories from the northeast of Scotland and beyond, both nationally and internationally.”
Faye Maclean, Head of Gaelic at Caledonia TV said: “We are delighted to continue our fruitful relationship with BBC ALBA and MG ALBA and to have the opportunity to make further popular programmes for the channel’s audience.”
Alasdair MacCuish, Managing Director at Beezr Studios said: “Beezr are delighted to be working with MG ALBA to bring an exciting range of shows to BBC ALBA over the next three years. Scotland is bursting with musical creatives who continue to push boundaries and meld genres. The whole team at Beezr relish the opportunity to showcase this incredible talent on the Channel in the years ahead.”
Seumas Mactaggart, Head of Production and Development at MacTV said: “MacTV is looking forward to continuing our creative collaboration with MG ALBA, with a wide range of high quality, multi-platform documentative content over the next three years.
“The company structure recently changed, with the staff taking ownership of MacTV, and this contract with MG ALBA is a great opportunity to instil confidence in the team, whilst aiming to deliver new, high impact programmes for BBC ALBA’s audiences.”
May Smart, Company Director at Obh Obh Productions said: “Obh Obh Productions are delighted to have been awarded a contract to continue in partnership with BBC ALBA to produce exciting children’s television. We look forward to putting our expertise and state of the art facilities to good use.”
Tony Kearney, Director at Solus Productions said: “Solus have successfully and consistently provided BBC ALBA’s young audiences with top quality, re-versioned children’s Gaelic animation to the highest standard of writing, performing and production values since 2013.
“This new multi-annual deal with BBC ALBA will build on this success, enhancing and encouraging continued expansion of existing talent bases and afford Solus Productions the possibility of offering further employment to Gaelic-speaking production talent and Voice-over artists”
With the prospect of normality on the horizon, BBC ALBA takes to the great outdoors to showcase some of the best of Scotland’s natural environment in a selection of captivating programmes this Easter.
Highland adventure photographer and filmmaker Calum Maclean, who is best known for his wild swimming adventures, will be exploring Scotland’s most stunning views, which he will be attempting to capture through a viewfinder in Dealbh is Slighe | Picture Trail.
Calum (32), based in Aberfeldy, will also be exploring the ways in which many of us returned to nature to help deal with the impact of Covid-19 in Trusadh: Air ais gu Nàdar | Back to Nature. Calum will be joined by guests who share their own experiences of the outdoors over the year.
Calum meets up with renowned Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis, for a run on Loch Ness side. Julie shares how she has used nature and exercise as an escape from the challenges of 2020, and the emotional and physical gap left by cancelled gigs and festivals.
Islander and ‘real-life’ mermaid Kate MacLeod continues to dive into her natural surroundings, sporting her distinctive mermaid tail to explore the folklore and history of her native Uig on the Isle of Lewis. This series captures stunning footage of the stretching golden sands, crystal clear aqua-marine water and brooding hills in Miann na Maighdinn Mara | Mermaid Tales.
And for those planning summer holidays, look no further than Mach à Seo for staycation inspiration.
From the hidden history of East Lothian to the rugged geology of Mull on the West Coast, host Ramsay McMahon leaves no stone unturned on his intrepid weekend adventures around Scotland.
BBC ALBA is embracing the energy and vibrancy of spring, with these fabulous programmes broadcast from April into early summer. As the days begin to get longer and the sun begins to shine brighter, viewers are sure to be inspired by BBC ALBA.
Bill MacLeod, Commissioning Editor for BBC ALBA, said: “We’ve seen how important it is to people during these challenging times to be getting into nature however they can, so it’s great that BBC ALBA can offer such a strong selection of programmes for those who are missing pursuits farther afield, and to inspire post-lockdown adventures.
“Gaels are renowned for their connection to nature and love for the beauty of the natural world, so we’re really happy that we can make such a special contribution to this with our spring time schedule.”
Dealbh is Slighe | Picture Trail airs from 10 April at 10.50pm for 10 weeks.
Trusadh: Air ais gu Nàdar | Back to Nature airs on 5 April at 9pm.
Miann na Maighdinn Mara | Mermaid Tales continues each Tuesday at 8.30pm.
Mach à Seo continues each Wednesday at 10pm.
All programmes will be available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days after broadcast.
Reflecting on the news today that Euryn Ogwen Williams has died, MG ALBA Chair Allan MacDonald said:
‘Euryn has been described today as a giant of Welsh broadcasting, and that is in no doubt. His legacy, eminently visible in S4C, reflects his commitment to the Welsh language and securing its place in the broadcasting and digital world.
His active approach to minority language provision went beyond Welsh, and here at MG ALBA we remember his supportive role in the early days of Comataidh Telebhisean Gàidhlig, which continued to the present day. We remember him with sincere gratitude for his work, and his kindness.
Our thoughts are with his family, his colleagues and friends at this very sad time.’
The winners of this year’s prestigious Gaelic Short Film Competition FilmG will be revealed on BBC ALBA from 9pm on Friday, March 19 via a new, specially created, awards programme.
Traditionally a live ceremony is held for the awards at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow, but this year, for the first time, a special awards programme will announce the winners on BBC ALBA.
FilmG Project manager at Cànan Graphics Studio, Debbie Mackay, said: “The current restrictions meant that getting everyone together for our usual live ceremony was not an option this year. However, it’s great to celebrate the wonderful films and all the hard work that was put into making them on BBC ALBA. We’re also looking forward to seeing how everyone is celebrating across our social media platforms!”
This year’s competition has received a record 104 entries, with a total of 41 films shortlisted across 17 categories, including the people’s choice award, the only award which is decided by a public vote.
The show will be hosted by FilmG and BBC ALBA stalwarts Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald.
As well as the awards, viewers will also hear from Lana Pheutan, Rachel MacKay and Hannah McKirdy from the BBC Radio nan Gaidheal podcast Aig Astar about how they prepare for the FilmG awards, and filmmakers Hamish MacLeod and Coinneach MacFhraing share how their FilmG success last year has helped them reach the next level.
Project supervisor Murdo MacSween, Communications Manager at MG ALBA, said: “FilmG has always been an inspiring event, with filmmakers showing their passion and creativity all through the medium of Gaelic. This year, we’ve seen a remarkable number of entries and the awards will give many of the filmmakers their first opportunity at being featured on TV, an important milestone for anyone.”
Now in its 13th year, FilmG has been the platform for many people now working within the Gaelic TV and film industry.
FilmG 2021 is on BBC ALBA on Friday, March 19 from 9.00pm and will be available to watch on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days afterwards.
FilmG 2021 Shortlists:
