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
Edinburgh, 21 August 2025 – MG ALBA has announced its involvement in Screen Scotland’s landmark Take Three talent development initiative, confirming funding for two Gaelic short films as part of the scheme.
The announcement was made today at the Edinburgh TV Festival, where MG ALBA sponsored and contributed to the prestigious panel session Language as Power: Local Languages Go Global. The session brought together leading voices from across the screen industries to discuss how Gaelic and Irish media are breaking through to mainstream audiences.
Gaelic Short Films through Take Three
Take Three, launched earlier this year by Screen Scotland and supported by the National Lottery and BFI, is Scotland’s most ambitious film talent development programme in a generation. MG ALBA’s backing will see two Gaelic short films produced under the scheme, providing vital opportunities for emerging Gaelic voices and building on the growing success of Gaelic-language screen content.
Kieran Hannigan, Head of Scripted at Screen Scotland said:
“Screen Scotland’s Talent Builder is a five-year commitment to early-stage filmmaking talent in this country. The interlinked programmes are designed to widen access, create greater opportunity and build a clear pathway for talent. We’re already working with Astar Media in Stornoway on Opening Shot, our early development shorts programme so It’s fantastic to now have MG ALBA on board to offer additional opportunities, specifically for Gaelic talent. Screen Scotland is committed to supporting Gaelic talent and has also supported a range of Gaelic development projects and productions, including An t-Eilean and Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands.”
Bill MacLeod, Commissioning Editor at MG ALBA, said:
“MG ALBA are delighted to be funding two Gaelic short films under the Take Three talent development scheme, a Screen Scotland project funded by the National Lottery and BFI. This initiative is another important step in developing the next generation of Gaelic filmmakers and storytellers.”
The move highlights MG ALBA’s increasing focus on Gaelic drama and talent development. Following the success of hit Gaelic noir An t-Eilean – which scooped both the Drama & Entertainment Prize and the Grand Prix at the Prix CIRCOM 2025 Awards – MG ALBA has secured increased government support for 2025/26, enabling fresh initiatives in drama, including involvement in Take Three and ongoing discussions with BBC Film for a forthcoming Gaelic feature film development call.
Spotlight at the Edinburgh TV Festival
MG ALBA’s announcement came during its sponsored panel at the Edinburgh TV Festival – one of the most prestigious events in the television industry calendar.
Entitled Language as Power: Local Languages Go Global, the session challenged industry stereotypes about Celtic-language content and celebrated the critical and commercial success of productions such as Kneecap and An t-Eilean. It also explored the opportunities and challenges in ensuring Celtic-language media continues to thrive.
The panel was hosted by award-winning journalist and author Sophia Smith Galer, and featured a stellar line-up:
Speaking at the Festival, MacLeod highlighted the importance of showcasing Gaelic storytelling on such a significant platform:
“To be sharing a stage at the Edinburgh TV Festival with such exceptional talent is a proud moment for Gaelic media. This visibility shows there is fertile ground and real appetite for Gaelic stories, particularly among younger audiences. Gaelic is not just surviving, it is thriving – and the industry is taking notice.”
Looking Ahead
MG ALBA’s participation in Take Three marks a major step forward for Gaelic cinema, underlining the organisation’s determination to nurture new talent and stories that resonate both locally and globally.
With fresh investment and collaborations on the horizon MG ALBA is cementing its place at the heart of Scotland’s screen storytelling future.
First Minister John Swinney has announced funding of £690,000 for Gaelic broadcasting ahead of a visit to the Western Isles.
The cash will help transform MG Alba Stornoway into a cutting-
The First Minister will undertake a number of visits and engagements during his trip to the islands, including the deep-
John Swinney said: “Our £690,000 investment will create a new creative centre for Gaelic media at the site of MG Alba’s Stornoway headquarters, putting them ahead of the curve and ensuring they can continue to provide high-
“Our islands are also at the forefront of harnessing Scotland’s renewables potential to build a sustainable energy future. The deep-
The First Minister will arrive in Lewis this evening before undertaking engagements on Friday. He will travel to North Uist and South Uist on Saturday.
MG ALBA has published its 2024/25 Annual Report, marking a transformative year for Gaelic broadcasting with record digital viewing figures, a landmark drama series, and a renewed call for fair and sustainable funding.
The annual report celebrates An t-Eilean — a gripping crime thriller filmed on location in Harris — as the most successful Gaelic TV programme ever made. In the 2024/25 year alone, it drew 1.6 million BBC iPlayer views, accounting for 20% of the record-breaking 8.1 million total views for Gaelic content. This standout performance highlights the impact of high-quality Gaelic drama and its growing appeal, with An t-Eilean also attracting international attention from outlets such as The Hollywood Reporter.
In a major international milestone, MG ALBA is also celebrating An t-Eilean’s recent triumph at the Prix CIRCOM 2025 awards, where it took home the coveted Grand Prix – the highest honour in the prestigious European television awards.
“This was a year of creative ambition and digital transformation,” said MG ALBA Chair John Morrison. “With every £1 invested, we attracted £3 more in funding. But to maintain this momentum and reach younger, digital-first Gaelic speakers, we urgently need a longer-term, realistic budget.”
Key highlights:
Despite these achievements, the report warns that MG ALBA’s core budget is still £10 million behind where it would be if it had kept up with inflation — putting future content creation and digital innovation at serious risk. Continued investment is essential to ensure Gaelic media can thrive in an increasingly competitive and digital-first landscape — and a dedicated Gaelic Growth Deal is now vital to secure the sector’s future.
The Royal Television Society (RTS) Scotland hosted its annual awards ceremony on Friday (6 June) where Margaret Cameron, director of content at MG ALBA, was honoured with the prestigious RTS Scotland Special Recognition Award.
Presented by singer and actress Shereen Cutkelvin, alongside Still Game star Sanjeev Kohli, the award celebrates those whose exceptional contributions have made a lasting impact and are widely respected within the Scottish television community. The RTS Scotland Committee presents the award to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding excellence in Scottish broadcasting and television.
RTS Scotland champions the gold standard of television excellence in Scotland, recognising outstanding achievements in programme making, broadcasting and contributions that shape the industry’s future.
The regional awards, held at the iconic Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow, also recognised other prominent figures in Scottish television, including Ashley Jensen, Peter Capaldi and Michelle McManus.
Margaret Cameron, director of content at MG ALBA, said: “It was a true honour to be awarded the Special Recognition Award at the RTS Scotland ceremony. The RTS Scotland awards are testament to the creative effort behind first class television productions in Scotland, including MG ALBA’s partnership with BBC ALBA to bring Gaelic content to screens across the country. It’s more important than ever that Gaelic content is recognised and celebrated as part of the Scottish industry.
“My thanks to the RTS Scotland Committee, both for the award and for recognising work supporting the Gaelic language, and to my colleagues at MG ALBA and the BBC whose support is everything. Congratulations to all the recipients of this year’s awards.”
Dan Twist, chair of RTS Scotland, said: “The RTS Scotland Awards stand as a definitive celebration of the finest talent in Scottish television. This year’s outstanding nominees and winners reflect the strength and resilience of a thriving Scottish TV industry, even in the face of widespread sector challenges.
“RTS Scotland is proud to continue its unwavering commitment to supporting, educating and championing talent across all areas of the industry — both on screen and behind the scenes.”
In addition to Margaret’s success, Gaelic language content was nominated in four other award categories on the night, alongside Padruig MacCuidhein in the On-Screen Personality category. Full details of the categories can be found here.
MG ALBA has achieved a major international milestone, taking home the coveted Grand Prix at last night’s Prix CIRCOM 2025 awards – the highest honour in the prestigious European television awards.
The Grand Prix win was awarded to Black Camel Pictures’ acclaimed Gaelic-language crime thriller An t-Eilean (The Island), which had already been named winner of the Drama and Entertainment category earlier in the evening at the gala award ceremony in Barcelona. In a surprise announcement, the series was also revealed as the overall winner across all genres.
Set against the elemental landscape of the Outer Hebrides, An t-Eilean (The Island) is a compelling crime story that follows a family caught up in a murder investigation very close to home. When their mother is found murdered in the family castle, four adult children return to the Scottish island of their birth as their father is questioned over her death.
Commissioned by BBC ALBA and produced by Black Camel Pictures, with funding from MG ALBA, Screen Scotland, Black Camel Pictures and All3Media International, the drama premiered in the UK on BBC ALBA in January 2025, becoming the best performing Gaelic programme since the channel’s inception. A further broadcast window was also secured on BBC Four earlier this year.
The Grand Prix 2025 accolade crowns a year of renewed momentum for the Prix CIRCOM awards, which saw a 22 per cent rise in entries and an influx of new broadcasters joining the competition for the first time.
Judging took place in April with winners selected by a panel of industry professionals from across 15 European regional public service outlets.
John Morrison, Chair of MG ALBA, said: “Winning the Grand Prix is an incredible achievement for a Gaelic show, placed at the pinnacle of Europe’s regional television industry by our peers.
“MG ALBA has been working with a tight and diminishing budget for years and it was a calculated gamble by the Board of MG ALBA to invest all of our drama budget for a whole year in one short box set. But we were confident in the story, the cast and the production team. So were our funding partners and the BBC. An t-Eilean has already broken audience records for a Gaelic show, and it is very rewarding for everyone involved to win two awards in this prestigious ceremony. High quality drama needs a serious budget and increased investment by the Scottish Government would allow us to build on this success.”
David Swetman, SVP scripted content at All3Media International, added: “We’re so pleased that the appeal of Black Camel’s wonderful drama has been recognised with the top award from the CIRCOM jury of European broadcasters in Barcelona.”
Arabella Page Croft, Executive Producer at Black Camel Pictures, said: “Thanks so much to the jury! Wonderful to win the Grand Prix at the CIRCOM awards celebrating European television drama production. We share this award with our hugely talented cast, crew and creative commissioners and financiers who adventured with us!”
David Smith, Director at Screen Scotland, said: “This is a fantastic win for the An t-Eilean team. The popularity of this ambitious series and the recognition it has received, including this award, is an incredible vote of confidence in the strength of Gaelic language drama.”
Chosen from across all category winners, the Grand Prix recognises the single most outstanding programme of the year. While regional winners receive prior notice, the winner of the Grand Prix is announced live on the night, at the CIRCOM Annual Conference.
Commending the diverse offering within the entries for the Prix CIRCOM 2025, Chair Marina Ramos of RTP, Portugal, said: “We found many very good stories, great productions, and specially commissioned content that let us see and enjoy beautiful landscapes and regions all over Europe and different kinds of culture. All that is very important for public service media to offer to consumers.
“Our selection for Grand Prix was the drama An t-Eilean (The Island). And the reason is simple: we have all seen murder series from all over the world but this is a very great production, high quality, good story, great actors, beautiful landscape and, above all made in the Gaelic language, showing us a region in Scotland, with magnificent natural features. Livestock, castles and so on.”
The Prix CIRCOM 2025 jury report noted: “There is beautiful scenery, imposing castles and wonderful views of natural beauty. The drama matches well to this specific scenery and setting. The acting is splendid: it’s intense and you don’t want to stop watching. The production values are high and this is an ambitious production.
“It is very fascinating and impressive that the drama is produced in the Gaelic language. This will help spread knowledge of the language when making such quality entertainment for a wider audience. Good dramas are made all over the world – but this is special.”
The award was officially accepted by actor Sorcha Groundsell (who plays lead character Kat Crighton in An t-Eilean), Executive Producer at Black Camel Pictures, Arabella Page Croft, and John Morrison, Chair of the Board of MG ALBA, during the Prix CIRCOM 2025 gala award ceremony at the CIRCOM Annual Conference in Barcelona yesterday, Thursday 22 May.
MG ALBA has announced the crime thriller An t-Eilean (The Island) as winner of the Drama and Entertainment prize at the international TV awards, Prix CIRCOM 2025. The award win comes after a rise in competition entries, with judges from across 15 European regional public service broadcasters selecting the winner. The drama was produced by Black Camel Pictures and commissioned by BBC ALBA.
Set against the elemental landscape of the Outer Hebrides, An t-Eilean (The Island) is a compelling crime story that follows a family caught up in a murder investigation very close to home. When their mother is found murdered in the family castle, four adult children return to the Scottish island of their birth as their father is questioned over her death.
The award will be officially accepted during the gala award ceremony at the CIRCOM Annual Conference in Barcelona on 22 May.
John Morrison, Chair of MG ALBA, said: “Winning a top European award from our television peers is wonderful news for An t-Eilean and for Gaelic language broadcasting. It shows that stories told in Gaelic can compete with the very best entertainment and drama across Europe.
“Congratulations to everyone involved, the commissioners, the writers, the production team and the actors who all performed superbly. MG ALBA and our partners in the BBC will take this as a huge vote of confidence in our strategy to take Gaelic to global audiences while not forgetting about our own domestic viewers.”
Arabella Page Croft, executive producer at Black Camel Pictures, added: “We can’t quite believe it - An t-Eilean has won the Circom European Drama Award!
“It’s a huge honour, and such a tribute to the talent, heart and hard graft of the whole creative team. Making An t- Eilean the first high-end Gaelic drama in partnership with BBC and MG ALBA, Screen Scotland and All3Media International was a glorious creative challenge.
“We set out to create a crime series that felt authentic and true to the Western Isles and its wonderful language, and to see our work recognised by an international jury of broadcasters is a fantastic achievement. We are hugely proud at Black Camel and it means the world to see regional voices and authentic storytelling celebrated on a prestigious European stage like this.”
David Smith, Director at Screen Scotland said: “This is fantastic news, An t-Eilean marks a step-change in Gaelic language drama and has won the hearts of audiences across Scotland and now Europe. This win is testament to the ambitions of all our partners.”
David Swetman, SVP scripted content at All3Media International added: “We’re so pleased that the appeal of Black Camel’s wonderful drama has been recognised with this award from the Circom jury of European broadcasters.”
An t-Eilean was commissioned by BBC ALBA and funded by MG ALBA, Screen Scotland, Black Camel Pictures and All3Media International. The drama premiered in the UK on BBC ALBA January 2025, with a further broadcast window on BBC Four.
