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.
Music lovers can watch a full version of ‘The Last Dance’ concert film which captures Runrig’s farewell concert at Stirling Castle when it airs on BBC ALBA for the first time this April as part of a special weekend of programmes about the band.
The sell-out gigs in August 2018 were filmed live in front of 50,000 fans by Glasgow based digital entertainment company Blazing Griffin.
This exclusive programme on BBC ALBA will show the full three hours of concert which was filmed at the iconic and historic location of Stirling Castle.
Formed in 1973 on the Isle of Skye, Runrig’s rise to fame in the 1970’s and 80’s as Scotland’s most successful folk and rock band culminated in a career spanning 45 years.
They produced 14 studio albums and took Gaelic music from the village halls of the Highlands to arenas across the world including Canada and New York. They held sold-out concerts at some of the world’s most prestigious venues such as New York’s Times Square, London’s Royal Albert Hall and Edinburgh Castle.
Runrig – The Last Dance also features performances by some other well-known and talented Scottish musical guests including Julie Fowlis, Duncan Chisholm, Laura McGhee, Gary Innes, Dave Towers and the Glasgow Gaelic Islay Choir.
Donnie Munro, Runrig’s lead singer from 1974 to 1997, joins the band on stage during the show much to the delight of fans.
Runrig founding member Rory Macdonald who lives in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, said: “It’s the love of performing that kept the group going for over 45 years. Our farewell performance brought all this to a close – a shared, visceral experience that will stay with me forever. In many ways, our bond with the fans has been our success and this film illustrates this throughout.”
His brother Calum from Ross-Shire, added: “During these uncertain times it may be hard to feel connected with the communities we love most. We hope that the Runrig community and our fans will feel a sense of togetherness when they watch our farewell concert on BBC ALBA and that it will help raise the spirits.”
Steven Little, The Last Dance concert film producer at Blazing Griffin, said: “We’re so pleased to see the full 3-hour concert film released on BBC ALBA, it’s the perfect platform to reach out to Runrig’s local fans. I was delighted to work on this production, it captures the magic of the band and provides the tribute the band was looking to give to their fans. It’s an incredibly uplifting and lively concert film, I just know that Runrig fans are going to love this.”
Margaret Cameron, Channel Editor at MG ALBA, said: “BBC ALBA is delighted to have a weekend of Runrig content to offer our audiences with the jewel in the crown being the full The Final Dance concert. It’s been great to work with Blazing Griffin and to be able to bring this exceptional moment to BBC ALBA.”
Runrig -The Last Dance is on BBC ALBA on Saturday, April 3 at 8pm.
Air an Oir, a classic programme from the BBC ALBA archive which looks at the roots of Runrig’s musical influences will also be shown on BBC ALBA on Friday, April 2 at 9pm and an archive concert Runrig – City of Lights will air on Sunday, April 4 at 9pm. All programmes will also be available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days after they air.
A film by a wild-swimmer and all-round outdoors enthusiast exploring how lockdown made him feel has scooped a major award at FilmG 2021, the Gaelic Short Film Competition.
Highlander Calum Maclean (32), a photographer and TV presenter, reflects on the strangeness of the Covid-19 lockdown and expresses his frustration at feeling stuck at home 24/7 in his film Am Bruadar.
It shows the filmmaker shrinking down to enjoy an epic, poetic adventure around his garden to reflect how his world feels a lot smaller because he’s unable to travel as far as he normally would.
Calum said: “I’m surprised and very pleased to win. I spent so long working on the film that for a while I actually hated the end product!
“I filmed myself on green screen and then got footage around the garden, and not a lot of it worked. But eventually it came together and looked semi-legit, and I can watch it again now!
“I think the FilmG Awards are brilliant, especially this year, when we’ve been stuck inside, it’s been important to stay creative. I love seeing so many young people making films, too. You never know what they will do after that initial spark.
“It’s also great to see young people using Gaelic outside of school, for something creative. I think that’s important.”
The award winners were revealed tonight (Friday, March 19) via a specially made TV show hosted by FilmG and BBC ALBA stalwarts Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald.
This year’s competition received a record 104 entries, across 17 categories (spanning both open and youth), with a total of 41 films shortlisted.
A youth film spoofing the morning news programmes of BBC Radio Nan Gàidheal has won the People’s Choice category. Thairis na Maidne by Jonathan MacDonald and Lachlann MacLeod, shows the children acting as radio hosts – and pensioners – as they bring local headlines from Staffin in Skye.
This film, made by young actors from the north end of Skye, received three separate awards on the night proving it was both a public and judge’s favourite. Although, as we heard in the programme young actor Lachlann is more focussed on a career as a crofter rather than on the small screen!
Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust), from the Isle of Lewis, have retained the Best Community Film award they got last year. While 2020’s effort dealt with climate change, this year’s effort, Sgìre le Spiorad looks at a how a local shop helped pull the community together during lockdown.
Their film tells the story of Cross Stores, who started doing local deliveries of food and other essentials to vulnerable people in the community who were shielding during the pandemic and the community-owned estate filmed a short film to celebrate the owners and their staff.
There’s some great music, too, with new Gaelic rapper Hammy Sgìth from Glasgow winning Best Performance with a reversioning of the Gaelic ditty Brochan Lom – a fine slice of Gaelic hip-hop spanning everything from conspiracy theories to new Gaelic catchphrases.
The awards will be available to view on the BBC iPlayer for the next 30 days, with a repeat on BBC ALBA on Monday evening at 10.30pm (March 22nd)
The full winners are as follows:
People’s Choice Award (open across both Open and Youth categories) Thairis na Maidne by Jonathan MacDonald and Lachlann MacLeod. A take on the morning news programme on Radio Nan Gaidheal (Aithris Na Maidne).
OPEN CATEGORY
Best Film Am Bruadar by Calum MacLean. An imaginative look on escapism and adventures through lockdown.
Best Student Film Janni, Air Muir is Tir by Innes MacLeod. A film about Janni Diez (Gàidhlig officer at Gaelic University Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and her love of the outdoors.
Best Community Film Sgire le Spiorad by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn. A look at Cross Stores and the work they did through lockdown to get provisions to older members of the community. This local community group won the same award last year.
Most Promising New Director John Nicholson for Bron. A drama about a fishing bag washing up on the beach and two brothers, one of which has a dark secret.
Best Mobile Short Conntraigh by Tanca Aonghais. A look at the wildlife on the shore after the tide has gone out.
Best Performance Brochan Lom by Hammy Sgìth. Ooh aah Slainte mhath! – it’s the man with the Gaidhlig rapping skills.
Best Script Aiseirigh by Fiona J NicCoinnich. A mixture of new and existing poetry set to the views of Canna.
YOUTH CATEGORY
Best Youth Group Film Na Cèicean Blasta, by Craighill Primary School in Tain. A take on Little Red Riding Hood. A wolf steals Red Riding Hood’s cakes. A court case ensues and the outcome isn’t as bad for the wolf as first though.
Best Film Na Cèicean Blasta, Craighill Primary School.
Best Production Claidheamh Cutach by Finlay MacDonald and Silas Brown. Two duelling strangers unite to defeat the evil queen.
Best Performance Johnathan MacDonald in Thairis Na Maidne.
FilmG Gaelic award for fluent speakers Thairis Na Maidne . Jonathan MacDonald and Lachlann MacLeod. 3 awards in total for this film.
FilmG Gaelic award for learners Sealladh Ùr by Sgoil Bhàgh a’ Chaisteil. A young woman struggles to read, but her view is transformed with the help of a friend.
International Representative Aonaichte by Nuala MacDonald. A look at loneliness and the power of friendship.
Best Documentary Bhon Làimh Chun a’ Bheòil by Eoin Cuimeanach. A documentary about catching and eating your own food.
Best Young Filmmaker Tadhal Air Taibhsean by Finlay Morrison. A ghost hunt in a spooky old house.
For more information, www.filmg.co.uk
Further updates can be found on FilmG’s Social Media Channels:
facebook.com/filmgalba/
instagram.com/filmg_alba/
twitter.com/FilmGAlba
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:
BBC ALBA’s long-running Gaelic drama series Bannan has been picked up for a North American launch by streaming service MHz.
Announced by producers Young Films and the sales distributors, Videoplugger, the series will stream on MHz Choice in the USA and Canada from early March 2021.
This follows the success of the launch of Episodes 1 – 18 in France, where a further 10 episodes of the show have now also been sold.
BBC ALBA’s flagship drama Bannan has now broadcast 7 seasons in the UK and the producers hope to shoot the eagerly awaited 8th series in September this year.
Set in a Scottish island community and shot on the Isle of Skye, the character driven drama brings to life the challenges of rural life in a new and contemporary way.
The series has tackled a number of challenging and thought-provoking storylines including child grooming, terminal illness and of course BBC ALBA’s first ever murder.
Chris Young, founder of Skye-based Young Films and producer of Bannan, said: “Once again we see the power of our Gaelic drama to touch people thousands of miles away with different languages and culture from our own.
“Audiences in the USA, Canada and France can connect with characters like Màiri and Ceitidh and their emotional journeys.
“Whether subtitled in English or French or dubbed in Breton these stories resonate as strongly abroad as they do at home.
“And with a new American audience we are confident that Bannan will travel further around the world and reach an even wider viewership.”
Margaret Mary Murray, BBC ALBA’s Head of Service, said: “Bannan is a hit with viewers in Scotland and it’s exciting that we are able to share that success with international audiences and that they too can enjoy our language and rich culture of storytelling.”
Susan Strand, Digital Content Producer, MHz said:” This is a gripping, evocative drama, a door into the Scottish Gaelic culture.”
Emanuele Galloni, CEO Videoplugger said: “We are happy that Bannan has been given its North American premiere on MHz, we believe this show has a truly universal appeal.”
A new, wide-ranging, multi-faceted learning brand has been announced, offering the most comprehensive approach to learning Scottish Gaelic in a generation.
SpeakGaelic will launch from autumn 2021 with a course, a dedicated on-demand learning website and complementary programming across BBC ALBA platforms, including BBC ALBA YouTube, ensuring international availability.
This new brand will offer the most significant transformational change to learning and using Gaelic in almost thirty years and is set to be a focal point for adult learners and speakers.
Aimed at increasing the uptake and usage of Gaelic, the project will launch in four stages across 2021-2023, each directed at a different proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) scale of A1, A2, B1 and B2.
SpeakGaelic will offer users the option of face-to-face classes, self-guided online learning, and media content through a variety of platforms – or all three at the same time. It will never have been easier to learn and use Gaelic. As well as complete beginners, SpeakGaelic will be aimed at enabling lapsed or less confident speakers to use their Gaelic with confidence.
The initiative will complement and extend the range of options already available to learners through other sources, such as LearnGaelic, existing formal courses and the wonderfully successful Scottish Gaelic offering on Duolingo. Duolingo’s success, with around 600,000 registered users learning Gaelic, the doubling of LearnGaelic’s website users, and a surge in interest in Gaelic both in Scotland and internationally, will allow SpeakGaelic to offer an integrated structure at a crucial time.
SpeakGaelic will be delivered by media organisation MG ALBA, with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture in Skye as lead academic partner, and the BBC as media content provider.
SpeakGaelic is funded by the Scottish Government; the principal body for promoting Gaelic development, Bòrd na Gàidhlig; the BBC; and MG ALBA, which delivers BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC. It will be delivered over a three-year period at a cost of £2.4 million in total.
Iseabail Mactaggart, Director of Multiplatform Content at MG ALBA, said: “SpeakGaelic is an unprecedented partnership initiative to deliver a unique combination of ways for people to take up – and improve – their Gaelic. This is exciting, and important for the future of Gaelic. All of us at MG ALBA are proud to be a part of an initiative we hope will prove game-changing for the future of the language. I’m also personally really looking forward to using all the resources to improve my own Gaelic.”
Marsaili MacLeod, Vice Principal & Director of Studies at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, said: “SpeakGaelic will transform the landscape for Gaelic learning – the partnership is creating structured, accessible and media-rich learning materials. It will support our teaching community, from private tutors to Councils and community groups to Universities. It will support our community of learners and Gaelic speakers, welcoming anyone who has an interest, connection or love of the language to take part.”
Margaret Mary Murray, Head of Gaelic Services at the BBC, said: “SpeakGaelic will be a fresh and modern approach to learning on the BBC’s Gaelic services, enabling digital, audio and video content to integrate seamlessly and align with formal academic courses. SpeakGaelic will offer a fantastic new service for audiences on BBC ALBA, iPlayer, Radio nan Gàidheal, Sounds and BBC ALBA YouTube.”
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “This is an excellent project and I am pleased the Scottish Government is able to support SpeakGaelic. This comprehensive and ambitious scheme will have benefits for Gaelic speakers and learners in all parts of Scotland – and all over the world. I am also pleased to note the partnership working in place behind the project and look forward to seeing this work progress.”
Shona MacLennan, Chief Executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “We very much welcome this collaborative and innovative project which supports the main aim in the National Gaelic Language Plan that Gaelic is used more often, by more people and in more situations. It will enable new learners and existing users to enhance their skills and to put their Gaelic to use in a practical way. BnG’s #cleachdi (#useit) initiative ties in with SpeakGaelic and I would encourage everyone who feels that they would like to speak Gaelic more to make use of the resources available through our website.”
