MG ALBA Welcomes Increased Scottish Government Funding for 2025-26

MG ALBA has welcomed the announcement that its annual funding from the Scottish Government will rise to £14.8 million for the financial year 2025-26. This increase represents a significant recognition of the value that Gaelic media brings to Scotland’s cultural landscape.

Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA, commented:

“This increased funding recognises the difference that Gaelic media makes.

“The Ernst & Young Report highlighted that MG ALBA creates £1.34 of value for every £1 of funding, despite costs having risen in recent years. We are encouraged that that the Scottish Government recognises that by increasing our funding.

“Progammes like An t-Eilean would not be possible without financial certainty. Many people watch BBC ALBA and are users of the valuable LearnGaelic and SpeakGaelic resources, and this increase will all go to strengthening those services.”

The funding increase is part of the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to support and promote Gaelic language and culture. It will help MG ALBA to continue to deliver exceptional content for audiences across Scotland, while also encouraging the growth of Gaelic media, opportunities and resources for future generations.

Tha sinn air ar dòigh gu bheil an naidheachd seo a’ tighinn a-mach an dèidh a’ Leas-Phrìomh-Mhinistear tadhal air MG ALBA an-dè ann am Pacific Quay. Chaidh a sealltainn mun chuairt iomadh diofar roinn a leithid CBeebies ALBA agus SpeakGaelic gus sùil fhaighinn air an fharsaingeachd de dh’obair luachmhor a bhios a’ gabhail àite anns na meadhanan Gàidhlig gach latha.

We are delighted to share this news after the Deputy First Minister’s visit to MG ALBA yesterday in Pacific Quay. During her visit, she toured around various departments such as CBeebies ALBA and SpeakGaelic, highlighting the range of valuable work that takes place within Gaelic media daily.

Ernst & Young Report

Photos courtesy of Scottish Government

“Strongest FilmG Ever”

Shortlists Revealed in Gaelic Short Film Competition 

The long-running Gaelic short film competition, FilmG, has released the shortlists ahead of the FilmG Awards in March, marking the biggest shake-up in categories in the competition’s 17-year history.

For the first time, there will be no Best Film category in either the -18 or 18+ competitions. Instead, the major prizes will now be awarded for Best Drama, Best Documentary, and Best Comedy—highlighting the breadth of Gaelic storytelling talent.

This year also saw another historic change: filmmakers were not given a set theme for the first time, allowing for complete creative freedom. The 127 entries across both competitions reflected the focus behind the scenes on development and progress.

Independent judges selected nominees across 15 categories, while the public will decide the final two awards through an online vote.

18+ Shortlists

All four films nominated for Best Drama are previous FilmG winners, including last year’s Best Film winner, Kayleigh Bell.

Three films stand out with three nominations each: Mhàiri Gillies from Skye and the duo of Eilidh Chandler & Rae MacIver for their respective documentaries, along with last year’s winner Luca Kerr for his drama ‘Geama’.

-18 Shortlists

Last year’s Best Film winner, Parker Dawes, picks up another two nominations, including Best Drama.

Only four other films collect multiple nominations – Gairloch High School, Sgoil an Taobh Siar, and Portree Secondary School each received two nominations, while the Comunn na Gàidhlig group from Harris received three nominations for their comedic take on the hit TV show The Voice.

Dingwall schools also had a strong showing, with two films nominated from Dingwall Primary and one from Dingwall Academy.

Murdo MacSween, FilmG’s Project Director, said, “It’s the strongest FilmG we’ve ever seen in terms of quality, and we have very competitive shortlists. The public vote has also been strong, so it’ll be exciting to see which two films come out as Scotland’s favourites!”

Alongside the competition, FilmG’s workshops, clubs, and activities continue to nurture the next generation of Gaelic storytellers, providing a pathway for aspiring filmmakers to enter the world of Gaelic media.

Maggie Taylor, Head of Publishing at MG ALBA, added: “FilmG is invaluable for Gaelic media, as it showcases all the new talent coming through. The judges have had a tough job this year, but we’re proud of all the filmmakers who have been busy across Scotland sharing their stories in Gaelic.

The winners will be revealed at the FilmG Awards Ceremony at the SEC in Glasgow on Friday, 7 March 2025. You can watch all the films at www.filmg.co.uk.

Promising young Gaelic filmmaker’s debut commission set to premiere on BBC ALBA this Christmas

One of Scotland’s most promising filmmakers, Parker Dawes, has landed his first TV commission with Dà Sgadan – Two Peas in a Pod, due to air on BBC ALBA this Christmas.

Following numerous successes in the Gaelic short-film competition FilmG, 17-year-old Parker has written and directed the new production, commissioned by BBC ALBA and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) Kids Drama Exchange. Alongside the EBU, Parker has had the chance to work with Emmy and BAFTA winning cinematographer, Neville Kidd – whose work includes The Umbrella Academy, Sherlock and Outlander – on the fictional short film.

Aimed at a 6-9 year old audience, Dà Sgadan – Two Peas in a Pod follows mechanic Polly, who is fed up having to look after her pesky little sister, Peigi. When a local gang offers her the chance to join them, Polly eagerly accepts – but what begins as a fun adventure soon takes a dark turn when Polly betrays her sister to gain the gang’s favour. As gang leader Donnie Dan reveals his true colours, Polly must decide which path to take.

Parker’s talent for storytelling was first spotted at the FilmG competition, after scooping up his first ‘Best Film’ award in the under 18s category at the 2023 awards. Earlier this year he took gold again for his Gaelic short, Iomlaineachd (Perfection). This success over the last two years has helped establish Parker as one of Scotland’s most gifted young talents.

Parker Dawes said: “Growing up in Scottish culture, learning Gaelic, has given me many valuable opportunities. While in high school, my Gaelic class entered FilmG – a competition that seemed as big as the Oscars to us. The prize money and glory on offer really spurred us on to make the best film we could, and I have gone on to enter my own film every year since, always pushing myself to create a more ambitious production each time.

“Every film I’ve ever made presents challenges and huge learning opportunities, with Dà Sgadan being no exception. Pitching for this EBU scheme and then working on the film has helped me immensely in understanding the industry and teaching me many skills I’ll continue to use. I can’t thank everyone involved enough.”

Neville Kidd, cinematographer, comments: “It was fun being really hands on again with this short film, and an honour to be helping to nurture the next generation of filmmaking talent coming out of Scotland. Parker is a filmmaking force to be reckoned with!”

The film has been produced by Channel X Hopscotch for BBC ALBA and is funded by MG ALBA and Screen Scotland. Parker was supported by award-winning producer Carolynne Sinclair Kidd and Lana Pheutan as co-writer. Lana, another FilmG alumnus, is a Gaelic writer with credits on a previous EBU drama, Dad Sam Bith, and comedy series, Glan Fhèin. She is also currently a participant in the Sean Connery Talent Lab.

Sean Greenhorn from Screen Scotland said: “It’s fantastic to be able to support Channel X Hopscotch and Parker Dawes on this new commission for BBC ALBA. Parker is an exceptionally exciting talent who first came onto our radar with his FilmG short Iomlaineachd. It is always thrilling to see young filmmakers get their start and we look forward to seeing his imagination, warmth and wit come through in Dà Sgadan this Christmas.”

The 15-minute Gaelic short will premiere on BBC ALBA on Christmas Day. Watch Dà Sgadan – Two Peas in a Pod live on BBC ALBA on 25 December at 6.10pm, or on demand on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0026ff6

BBC ALBA AND BBC SCOTLAND INVEST £800K IN JOINT DIGITAL-FIRST GAELIC CO-COMMISSIONING FUND

BBC ALBA and BBC Scotland announce an exciting new commitment to work together to fund new digital-first Gaelic-language production in Scotland.

The first-of-its-kind co-commissioning approach commits £800k over two years – funded by MG ALBA and the BBC – and aims to identify and develop projects that resonate with all Scottish audiences whilst developing a pipeline of homegrown talent in the Highlands and Islands.

Producers are encouraged to submit proposals in response to genre-specific briefs with a strong emphasis on creating Gaelic content that reflects the culture, skills and talent of the Highlands and Islands creative sector, both on and off-screen.

The first call for productions seeks digital-first dramas targeting younger viewers. Building on the success of BBC Scotland’s recent acclaimed award-winning short-form dramas, such as Float and Dog Days, these digital dramas will consist of short ten-minute episodes intended primarily for BBC iPlayer and a window on BBC ALBA’s YouTube channel.

Following an initial development phase, the ambition is for successful projects to enter production in 2025 with further opportunities in unscripted content to be announced later this year.

Margaret Cameron, Director of Content at MG ALBA said: “MG ALBA is delighted to partner with the BBC on this exciting initiative for digital-first content across BBC ALBA and BBC Scotland platforms and channels. It’s critical that we make every effort to engage with all sections of our audience while promoting our language and offering opportunities to new or more established talent in or from the Highlands & Islands who may not always have the same access to development and production opportunities.  We look forward to building on, with BBC Scotland, their previous short form, digital-first successes.”

Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland said: “I’m proud of BBC Scotland’s strong track record for developing and producing award-winning quality short form content that audiences love and we’re looking forward to building on it through this partnership with MG ALBA.   Backing homegrown storytelling is central to the BBC’s purpose and this initiative is an excellent demonstration of it.   We’re excited to see what ideas come in to us.”

The commissioning round is now open and initial Ideas should be submitted to gaelicdigitalcommissioning@bbc.co.uk before 6 January 2025.

While all Scottish production companies are invited to submit pitches, it is essential to demonstrate how their projects will contribute to talent development and production in the Highlands and Islands. Proposals that include two or more of the following elements—stories, locations, production, or company base—in the Highlands and Islands will be prioritised.

More information about the call-out and criteria can be found at https://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/scotland/commissioning/gaelic/

BBC ALBA brings in the New Year with Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire

BBC ALBA is set to bring together some of trad music’s biggest names to celebrate Hogmanay 2024 for the annual live event, Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire.

Scottish supergroup, Mànran, along with other well-known trad music acts including Royal National Mòd 2024 gold-medallist, Alice MacMillan, have been announced in the line-up at this year’s event, broadcasting from Nairn Community and Arts Centre in the Highlands.

The iconic Hogmanay show will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA and worldwide on Radio nan Gàidheal, with Cathy MacDonald and Niall Iain Macdonald hosting the cèilidh.

A limited number of tickets for those looking to join the Hogmanay fun are now available on the BBC’s Shows and Tours site.

Iain Macleod, executive producer, said: “BBC ALBA’s biggest event of the year is back with an incredible line-up of Scottish traditional musicians and local talent to count us down to 2025. We will be bringing viewers live performances from all of the night’s acts, and of course, Hogmanay craic from our hosts, Cathy and Niall Iain.

“As keen supporters of Gaelic song and traditional music, BBC ALBA can’t wait to showcase emerging talent like Alice MacMillan, the acclaimed South Uist singer Mairi MacMillan and established stars like the fantastic Mànran in an upbeat evening of celebrations for audiences across the country this Hogmanay.”

Following the success of their new single Standing Still, and a string of live performances across the UK and Europe, Mànran are joining the Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire line-up as the main act of the evening to play some of their best-loved hits and classic traditional songs.

The band are accompanied by the MacMillan family, Gaelic singers from the Isle of Lewis: Seonaidh Beag MacMillan, Calum Alex MacMillan and Alice MacMillan, representing three generations of the family. The youngest member, Alice, recently won the women’s gold medal for Gaelic song at the Royal National Mòd in Oban.

The Cèilidh’s musical director, Ingrid Henderson, will take the helm of the incredible house band featuring Anna Massie, Sileas Sinclair, Angus Nicolson and Megan Henderson, alongside a live performance from the Nairn Gaelic Choir.

Gaelic singer, Alice MacMillan, said: “It’s such an honour to be part of Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire. I am really looking forward to taking in the New Year in Nairn, singing alongside the two people who have influenced my singing journey most – my Shen and my Uncle Calum.”

Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire will be available live on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer and on a worldwide stream on Tuesday 31 December from 11.30pm. A limited number of tickets are now available at

https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/ceilidh-na-bliadhn-uire

FilmG Dominates at the Scottish Youth Film Festival Awards

Three Gaelic short films, created for FilmG, triumphed at this year’s Scottish Youth Film Festival (SYFF), with Iomlaineachd (Perfection) securing a second award as the prestigious Best Film for the entire 13-18 category.

Iomlaineachd (Perfection) by Parker Dawes, which had already won Best Film in the -18 FilmG competition earlier this year, claimed another victory at SYFF. The film, which explores the concept of perfection and the beauty of imperfection, was awarded Best Live Action Film in the 13-18 category before being named the Best Film overall for the age group. At just 17 years old, Parker is a multiple FilmG award-winner and was named a ‘Rising Star’ by The National Lottery at last year’s London Film Festival.

In the 13-18 Documentary category, three of the four shortlisted films were also FilmG winners, with Aillse Sealladh Marsaili by Sgoil Lìonacleit winning the award at SYFF. This film, which won the FilmG Choice Award at FilmG, powerfully documents Marsaili’s moving experience of battling cancer as a teenager in the Western Isles.

An Glaoine Nan Draoidh (The Druid’s Stone) by Sophie Smith from the Highlands was recognised as the winner of the 13-18 Animation category. Sophie, a nominee for this year’s FilmG Rionnag Award, impressed the judges with her creative storytelling and animation skills. This meant that a FilmG film won each award in the 13-18 categories at SYFF.

Murdo MacSween, Project Director of FilmG, said: “Sometimes Gaelic films can feel like they exist in a kind of bubble, firmly within our own sector. Seeing films created by young people in Gaelic be recognised nationally amongst shortlists of English language films is hugely inspiring and everyone at FilmG is proud of Parker, Sophie and the team at Sgoil Lìonacleit.”

Margaret Cameron, Director of Content at MG ALBA added: “It was a great pleasure to see Gaelic short films, both nominated and winning in these categories.  MG ALBA needs young Gaelic-speaking talent to be ambitious and FilmG has been a fantastic platform for these filmmakers”.

The films were judged by Into Film’s Youth Advisory Council and the winners were revealed at the 10th Scottish Youth Film Festival, held at Armadale Academy, West Lothian, on 4 and 5 October 2024. You can find out more about the Scottish Youth Film Festival at www.syff.scot/festival

BBC ALBA explores male suicide in Scotland

One in 100 deaths worldwide are connected to suicide. In Scotland, that accounts for over 700 people a year and three-quarters of these are men.

A new BBC ALBA Trusadh documentary, Big Boys Don’t Cry, will air during National Suicide Awareness Week on Monday 9 September at 9pm with presenter Derek ‘Pluto’ Murray meeting people whose lives have been affected by mental health struggles and suicide.

Professor Rory O’Connor from the University of Glasgow, is Professor of Health Psychology, Director of the ‘Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory’, and leads research into suicide and self-harm. Discussing the support available, Professor O’Connor says: “We did some work recently looking at trying to understand male suicide specifically and one of the messages that came back time and time again was that the services and support out there are not tailored to their needs. We have this traditional model of expecting men to go to clinical services; well, that might work for some people, but what about actually going to places that men are? Why don’t we go to places like football clubs, rugby clubs, the shinty club, whatever it might be, and use that as a mechanism of support.”

This is particularly important in a rural context. Professor O’Connor continues: “We’re trying to make sense of why the suicide rates are particularly high there. Part of that is linked to access to services, and part of that is linked to the fact that if you live in rural communities, the likelihood of being socially isolated is increased. There’s also this idea people talk about of ‘living in a fish bowl’, that you’re less likely to talk about your emotions, your feelings, or if there’s problems going on in your life because you’re concerned about what your neighbours or friends might think.

“Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, it’s not a sign of weakness, so we need to engrain that in our young people. But we also need to ensure that the services and support out there is tailored to these men.”

Patrick Mullery from the ‘James Support Group’ explains: “We offer support – monthly meetings in various locations. There’s 10 actually, all the way from Thurso down to Fort William, across to Elgin, Inverness and lots of places in between. It’s a group setting, it’s specifically for people who are bereaved by a suicide but also for people who have suicidal thoughts. We bring those two types of people together for mutual support and understanding – the hope is that people who have suicidal thoughts will see the devastation that is left behind in an attempt to give them another barrier to stop them going that extra step. To actually just make them stay with us and realise that they are loved and they would be missed.

“We’ve all got emotions and we have to break the stigma around poor mental health and about suicide. Boys can cry and the best thing to do for yourself, if you’re in a bad place, is talk about it. Unfortunately, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”

In Glasgow, Derek visits Drumchapel-based charity ‘Men Matter Scotland’ to find out more about their approach to offering support and how they have created a safe place for men to visit.  From street outreach to the facilities available at the welcoming hub, the team hope to build a self-sustaining and secure model that can be shared with other parts of Scotland. Vice chair D I Brown says: “What is most important is that people talk. If people don’t start to speak about this, it will be hidden and more men will die from suicide. I’d say that people need to open up and be open.”

Professor O’Connor adds: “People sadly still believe that if you ask somebody about suicide, or if you talk about suicide, that you make it more likely that you’ll plant the idea in somebody’s head. There’s no evidence for that. Indeed, the evidence is for the opposite – suicide prevention is everyone’s business – and I mean that sincerely.

“We all have a role that we can play in preventing suicide. Anything we can do, no matter how big or small – a WhatsApp message, a text message, a phone call – anything that reaches out to someone who might be struggling, that sense of connection could be potentially lifesaving. I would encourage everybody and anybody, if you’re concerned about a loved one, a friend, a colleague, please reach out… That sense of human connection could save a life.”

Filmed and produced by Stornoway-based MacTV, Big Boys Don’t Crypremieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Monday 9 September at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles). Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0022vyn

FilmG: Gaelic Short Film Competition Shakes Things Up In Its 17th Year

Hundreds of filmmakers from all over Scotland are busy planning and scripting their entries for FilmG as the annual competition opens once again.

With distinct competitions for under 18s and over 18s, participants are challenged to create Gaelic-language films under five minutes in length, to be submitted by the deadline of 9 December 2024.

In line with this year’s visual motif of Crathadh (to shake up), the competition has launchedwith a few surprises.

Filmmakers are no longer being asked to create a film based on a themeentries are instead open to the creative license of any subject.

FilmG Project Director, Murdo MacSween, said, We’ve listened to the feedback from filmmakers past and present and have decided to shake things up by leaving the FilmG theme open for the first time in the competition’s 17year history.

We’re also choosing not to announce the award categories until the new year, allowing us to structure highly competitive categories that will further showcase the diversity and innovation in Gaelic filmmaking.

Secondary schools across Scotland are currently planning their filmmaking workshops, delivered by FilmG’s dedicated tutors, and engagement with aspiring entrants will start in earnest with the FilmG team attending the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig freshers’ events in Skye.

MG ALBA’s Head of Publishing, Maggie Taylor, said: Last year was another leap forward for FilmG and these changes will allow greater scope to unearth the next generation of Gaelic creative talent.

FilmG is a platform for creativity, collaboration and, ultimately, development and so we’re excited to see what lies ahead in year 17 of this fantastic project.”

FilmG was established ahead of the launch of BBC ALBA in 2008 and has seen a conveyor belt of alumni move into the media industry in Scotland, with former entrants including singer-songwriter Katie Gregson-MacLeod, and acclaimed actress Sorcha Groundsell, lead in the upcoming Gaelic crime thriller An t-Eilean (The Island).

All of last year’s winning films are available to watch via the BBC ALBA YouTube Playlist.

To find out more about FilmG, visit www.filmg.co.uk, and any filmmaker or group wanting to get started can contact the FilmG team directly for support.

Up-and-coming Highlands and Islands artist wins talent search to claim Belladrum main stage slot 

Cameron Ferguson has been announced as the opening act for this year’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, after being named as the winner of a talent search launched in collaboration with BBC ALBA. 

BBC ALBA teamed up with The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival to find the best of Scotland’s up-and-coming musical talent last month, with artists from across the Highlands and Islands submitting their best work to win a slot on the Belladrum main stage. Following a rigorous judging process to whittle the budding talent down to a shortlist of just five, Tain-born songwriter Cameron Ferguson has now been chosen by public vote to open the festival in its 20th anniversary year. 

Cameron’s music encapsulates a punchy guitar style, with dreamy open chords and hard-hitting lead, combined with bass that locks in with the solidity of the drums. With lush synth sounds and cutting vocals, Cameron presents a unique style. 

Since late 2022, Arabella-based Cameron (19) and his band – made up of Glasgow-based Cameron Hill (19), Lanark-based Calum Duncan (19), Alness-based Jamie Mackay (26) and Inverness-based David Bromham (19) – have been tearing into the Scottish music scene, having played at legendary venues, such as King Tuts in Glasgow. To close 2023, Cameron Ferguson supported rising Glasgow stars Declan Welsh and the Decadent West following their sellout Barrowlands show.  

Celebrating 20 years of Belladrum – and its longstanding support of Scottish artists – the search brings the spirit of the much-loved family festival to life, with the best talent ‘homegrown in the Highlands and Islands’ now given the opportunity to open the main stage on Thursday 25 July, kicking off the weekend of live music and arts. 

Belladrum brings together top musical acts, comedy, cabaret, spoken word, dance, drag and even wrestling as part of the annual family-friendly festival, with Cameron joining the star-studded line-up which includes Deacon Blue, James Arthur, Twin Atlantic and Sugababes.  

Cameron Ferguson said: “Our hearts have been warmed by the amount of support during the public vote. It has blown us away. Massive love to everyone who voted, it wouldn’t have been possible without you. Also, a huge thanks to BBC ALBA and the Belladrum team for the opportunity. As an artist from the Highlands, I feel incredibly proud to be opening the Hot House Stage this year.  

“The band and I are absolutely ecstatic and can’t wait to get up on that stage to showcase some homegrown rock ‘n’ roll, straight from the Highlands.” 

Cameron will also have the opportunity to play an acoustic session in the BBC ALBA studio which will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer as part of the broadcaster’s festival coverage. 

Calum McConnell, Commissioning Executive at BBC ALBA, said: “We’re always eager to spotlight emerging, local talent and so it’s great to be able to showcase Cameron’s exciting brand of driving rock music on the main stage of the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival – especially in its milestone 20th anniversary year.  

“Belladrum is a highlight in our summer festival schedule, and we are excited to bring the best of the weekend to viewers across the country, thanks to funding from MG ALBA. We look forward to celebrating the vibrant mix of music and arts that Belladrum is known for, and to sharing the performances of this year’s talented line-up with our national audience.” 

Dougie Brown, Belladrum festival producer, said: ‘We are delighted to have partnered with BBC ALBA on our talent search to open the main stage and can’t wait to welcome Cameron to the festival. Supporting the next generation of Highlands and Islands artists is at the heart of Belladrum and we look forward to watching Cameron’s journey!” 

Musicians were invited to apply to the BBC ALBA Belladrum talent search by submitting a bio and link to their music, with entries judged by a panel of experts, including Megan MacLellan, presenter of BBC Radio nan Gàidheal’s ‘new music’ show Rapal, Scottish folk singer and multi-instrumentalist Julie Fowlis, and Belladrum representatives.  

The shortlist then went to public vote on the Belladrum website, with Cameron narrowly beating out fellow finalists and Highlands and Islands natives Ali Macfarlane (a singer-songwriter from the Isle of Skye), Scotstown Dance Band (an indie-ceilidh group from the Western Highlands), HJEM (a dynamic four-piece band born and raised Inverness) and El Sartel (a Scottish indie band from Skye and Lochalsh). 

For those unable to attend Belladrum, BBC ALBA will be bringing the best of the festival to viewers at home with its annual live coverage broadcast across the weekend, available on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer. A series of BBC iPlayer exclusives are also set to go live from Friday 26 July, with 33 live sets from a mix of artists performing on the Garden Stage and Hot House Stage, as well as special BBC ALBA acoustic sessions. 

Watch live or on demand from Thursday 25 July: Belladrum on BBC ALBA 

 

BBC ALBA Shines with Five Nominations at RTS Scotland Awards

BBC ALBA has garnered five nominations at this year’s RTS Scotland Awards, a prestigious event that honours outstanding talent, skills, and creativity in Scottish TV production. These awards are regarded as the benchmark for excellence in the television industry.

The nominations span five categories: Live Event, Documentary and Specialist Factual: Arts & History, Camera, Children’s and Young Journalist presented in memory of George Sinclair.

Margaret Cameron, Director of Content for MG ALBA, said:

“It’s a testament to the consistent high quality of programming created for BBC ALBA that five entries spanning a range of different genres were nominated for RTS Scotland Awards this year. It’s particularly encouraging to see young talent being recognised, with nominations for both Hamish MacLeod and Ailean Beaton in their respective fields. Additionally, we’re delighted that BBC ALBA’s live music and children’s programmes are being acknowledgedas a reflection of the excellent content we have on the channel. Our congratulations to all of the RTS Scotland 2024 nominees. We look forward to finding out the outcome in the coming weeks.”

Here is the full list of BBC ALBA nominations:

Live Event | Cuirm @ Celtic: Celtic Connections at 30 | Beezr Studios
Documentary and Specialist Factual: Arts & History | Bill agus an Spitfire | Corcadal Productions
Camera | Hamish MacLeod | Dàna: Scotland’s Wild Side | Solus Productions
Children’s | An Sgoil: Series 1 | Jamie Kieran, Sarah MacKinnon, Calum MacDonald, Ellen MacDonald | BBC Scotland Productions
Young Journalist presented in memory of George Sinclair | Ailean Beaton

The complete list of nominations can be found here.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony hosted by Shereen Cutkelvin and Sanjeev Kohli on Thursday, June 13th, at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow.