MG ALBA STATEMENT ON BBC COMMITMENT TO GAELIC BROADCASTING
Maggie Cunningham, chair of MG ALBA – which operates BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC – issued the following statement in response to the BBC’s announcement regarding support for Gaelic broadcasting.
She said: “Lord Hall’s declaration of support for Gaelic broadcasting recognises the integrity of BBC ALBA and reflects the views of both the UK and Scottish Governments which have stated unequivocally that our channel should have sustained support given the success it has enjoyed.
“We welcome the commitment to providing a weekend news service on BBC ALBA, something which viewers have sought. We also welcome the stated aim for the new BBC Scotland channel to ‘support the delivery of extra programmes for BBC ALBA’.
“What we need to do now is work constructively and collaboratively with the BBC to clarify how this extra programming will materialise. We consistently asked the BBC for a contribution of ten hours per week of programming as part of the Charter Review so further discussions with the BBC will be necessary to ascertain what exactly is being proposed and how it will be funded.
“The channel needs new original programming and a significant reduction in repeats in order to thrive. BBC ALBA has proved to be a Scottish broadcasting success story over the last eight years and we are committed to building on that success.”
STAR-STUDDED NATIONAL GAELIC FILM AWARDS INCLUDING KEVIN GUTHRIE, LEWIS MACDOUGALL AND OUTLANDER’S GARY LEWIS
Scottish stars turned out in Glasgow this weekend to present awards at the ninth annual National Gaelic Film ceremony.
FilmG is MG ALBA’s (the Gaelic Media Service) prestigious Gaelic screen talent awards, which this year attracted a record number of entries and was streamed live to audiences around the world.
The ceremony was held at The Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow and hosted by Fiona MacKenzie, face of BBC ALBA, and Niall Iain Macdonald, TV & radio presenter. Live entertainment on the night was courtesy of four-piece band, INYAL, fresh from performances at Celtic Connections and The Highland Annual.
Guest presenters at the event included renowned Scottish actor Gary Lewis who is currently gracing television screens in crime drama, The Level and has featured in Gangs of New York, Billy Elliot and Outlander. Joining Gary on stage was Lewis MacDougall, the 14yr old Edinburgh schoolboy and star of the new movie A Monster Calls.
Actor Kevin Guthrie, best known for his roles in Sunshine on Leith, Sunset Song and The Legend of Barney Thomson was also in attendance, with BBC weather presenter, Kirsteen Macdonald also presenting a number of awards.
John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, with ministerial responsibility for Gaelic, was in attendance and presented the Best Film in the youth category.
Isle of Lewis born actress, Dolina MacLennan known for her role in The Queen, Seachd: The Inaccessible Pinnacle and Barney Thomson was also on hand to present some FilmG awards, as well as Mairi MacLennan who stars in BBC ALBA’s drama Bannan.
Gary Lewis, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to return to the prestigious FilmG awards and an honour to be in a room full of such talented youngsters. It’s imperative to encourage as many young and aspiring filmmakers as possible, and initiatives such as FilmG offer a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to be creative both in front of and behind camera and gain the confidence required to pursue a career in the Scottish creative sector.”
This year’s competition theme was ‘Strì/Endeavour’ which inspired an array of fun and engaging films and scripts by promising filmmakers, schools, and community groups from all over Scotland. In total 105 entries were submitted across the various categories.
The quality of film entries this year has been exceptional making it a very tough decision for judges to choose a winner in each category.
The stand out film in the youth category was Faigh WiFi produced by a group of children from the Gaelic Drama Summer School (An Sgoil Shamhraidh Dràma) which won Best Film. The film follows students at the summer camp on a mission to find WiFi.
Also scooping a top award was Kate Bradley of Ardnamuchan High School, whose commentary on the women’s shinty Valerie Fraser Cup Final won her the new youth Sports Commentary award title. Kate received her award from Gemma Fay, Scottish international footballer and actress who made her TV acting debut in the Sky Living drama Rubenesque.
Uilleam MacDhùghaill from Barra received the Best Performance award from young actor Lewis MacDougall for his role in Eilean an Dòchais, a drama set in Mingulay in 1907 dealing with the struggle for land.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney said: “It is clear that after nine extremely successful years that FilmG has a winning formula. FilmG not only attracts Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers alike from across Scotland, it also provides opportunities for our young people to develop skills and develop their talents. I am delighted for all the award winners and nominees and I am proud that the Scottish Government continues to work with MG ALBA as a sponsor of these awards.”
Kirsty Scott and Class7 of Inverness Gaelic School took home the Best Drama and Best Community awards for their film Latha Spòrs which covers the most competitive day of the year – P7 Sports Day.
The competition allows entries to be made on mobile phones, highlighting the importance and quality of digital content that can be produced without the need for full production kit, particularly aimed at material for online platforms. Eòghan Stiùbhart from Inverness won this year’s Best Mobile Short for his entry FilmG no Die Trying, which sees one man’s struggle to find his muse.
The award for Best Comedy went to Alannah Pheutan from the Isle of Skye for her entry Gaidheal Gu Luath which sets out to create a treatment to generate the perfect Gael. And the much-anticipated People’s Choice award also went to Alannah.
Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA, said: “This year’s FilmG has been bigger and better than any year yet and we have been truly impressed with the level of entries across every category. We’d like to extend our congratulations, not only to this year’s winners but to all who dedicated a lot of time and effort in creating a short film entry.
“The competition has evolved greatly since the inaugural award ceremony nine years ago, and we are delighted to see the level of engagement in digital media, in Gaelic. The new sports commentary category was also a welcome addition this year, allowing those behind camera with a passion for sport to get involved.
“The competition continues to attract new and aspiring Gaelic filmmakers, actors and scriptwriters to participate, and we are delighted that more and more young people are using Gaelic to tell their own stories using digital media. This is an exciting time and it is right that we are hearing and seeing more Gaelic voices and it’s important we build on this momentum.”
All 2017 winners are listed below, with every film entered in this year’s FilmG competition available to view online at www.filmg.co.uk.
MG ALBA has appointed Bill Macleod, the highly respected and multi award winning television professional, as Commissioning Editor, a move which marks significant investment in the creative team behind BBC ALBA.
Bill Macleod has had a long and successful track record in delivering bold, original and high-quality programming for BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four, BBC Scotland and CBBC. He began his television career in Gaelic programming, where he directed some of the BBC’s most popular and critically acclaimed Gaelic titles including Na h-Eilthirich, Ran Dan and the multiple award-winning Gruth is Uachdar. More recently he has worked on a wide range of programming including landmark series such as A History of Scotland.
Iseabail Mactaggart, MG ALBA’s Director of Strategy and Partnership said: “Bill is rightly highly regarded and recognised as a hugely creative individual with an outstanding track record. To date, BBC ALBA has been incredibly successful. Maintaining that success will require increased levels of innovation and creativity from the team that deliver the channel’s content. The creation of this position, and the addition of someone of Bill’s calibre to that team, will help in ensuring the future success of BBC ALBA.”
Bill Macleod said: “I’m very excited about taking up this new role with MG ALBA. I began my career in Gaelic TV and it’s wonderful to be able to return to an area that’s bursting with so much talent and creativity. This is a true privilege and I look forward to helping bring fresh, bold content to television screens up and down the country.”
ONLINE LIVE STREAM ENSURES FILMG AWARDS 2017 ARE NOT TO BE MISSED WITH DANNY MACASKILL EXCLUSIVE
The highly anticipated awards ceremony for Scotland’s national Gaelic film competition, FilmG, takes place at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow on Friday 17 February. Following on from the success of last year, which saw the awards streamed online for the very first time, FilmG fans and followers will once again be able to watch the prize-giving event live online.
This year, FilmG will also have the welcome addition of backstage videos where winners share their thoughts and excitement with FilmG fans online. Among those chatting with our team backstage will be long time FilmG supporter Danny MacAskill, who’s recent ‘Wee Day Out’ video became an internet sensation.
The ninth year of these awards also sees the return of FilmG’s popular Gaelic Instagram competition with the live stream ensuring that attendees and viewers watching at home, will be able to enter on the night.
The live stream adds a fantastic interactive element to the event, as FilmG presenters Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald invite those present, as well as live stream viewers, to post the most fun, entertaining and/or creative Gaelic photo to the popular social media site Instagram, under the hashtag #FilmG. Judges will review the entries and choose a winner – which will be announced at the end of the night – and the lucky winner will receive a Bebop Parrot Drone camera.
Moira Pugh, Project Manager of FilmG, said: “With just days to go until the awards, there is a great buzz building, particularly on social media. Last year’s first live stream opened up the already popular awards to a much wider audience, ensuring that FilmG fans worldwide were able to feel part of the night and FilmG is thrilled to be able to share the event again this year.
“The live stream is also a fantastic addition for those who have been involved with the competition and are unable to attend the event – as well as those who have given their support to the competition throughout the last year.
“We are delighted to welcome back our Instagram photo competition. It proved incredibly popular last year and in conjunction with our signature hashtags, it’s a great, fun way of getting more people to post to social media in Gaelic. Once again, we look to replicate this creative and light-hearted use of social media to promote the Gaelic language and the competition.”
Amongst the live entertainment on the evening will be a set from brilliant young four-piece band, INYAL, fresh from performances at Celtic Connections and The Highland Annual. FilmG is also excited by the news that the boys will be joined on stage by the wonderful Gaelic singer, Josie Duncan.
Moira added: “FilmG looks to nurture creative talent through filmmaking and it’s extremely exciting that at this year’s awards there is a crossover, with 2016 Best Documentary winner, Hamish MacLeod and his eclectic young trad band, INYAL rounding off the night’s entertainment, making it an extra special performance for FilmG.”
MÒD VLOG CHAMPIONS ARE CROWNED
The winners of MG ALBA’s Mòd vlogging competition have been announced.
Thirty nine entries – 17 from young people and 22 from adults – were submitted to the Vlog a’ Mhòid/Mod Vlog competition, which asked for short video blogs about the Mòd from anyone participating in any way whether it be as a performer, TV viewer, radio listener, competition adjudicator or Mòd supporter. Each category winner receives the prize of a GoPro camera.
Winner in the young person’s single vlog category was Beth, 11, from Kilmaluag on the Isle of Skye with her vlog entitled Clann Thròndairnis aig Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2016. Beth was part of a group called Clann Thròndairnis, who competed in several competitions at the Mòd, and her vlog tells the story of their journey to Stornoway, the group competing and the prizes they won. The judges particularly praised her ability to communicate her story in such a fun and vibrant way, using video effects and pictures to enhance her vlog.
In second place was Matthew age nine from Edinburgh, whilst brothers Ewan and Andrew 13 and 10 respectively, from Laide couldn’t be separated and scooped joint third place.
In the young person’s vlog series category, friends Katie and Breagha, both 10 years old, from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, were crowned winners with an impressive series that told their entire Mòd story, including some excursions around Lewis and Harris, and ending with their ferry journey home. The last vlog in their series can be viewed here.
Second and third place respectively went to brothers Rufus and Felix (eight and five) from Oban, who both based their series on the journey to Stornoway, concluding with their competitions. In particular, judges praised Rufus for his creativity in his Bàrdachd Rufus vlog where he recites his Mòd poem in different places as he makes his way to Stornoway. In the adult categories, Ricky Hannaway and Alison MacRae, friends from the Isle of Lewis, made a humorous series of vlogs about the Mòd and the judges liked their entries Abair Sealladh! so much that not only did they win best adult series, but also best adult single vlog with Alison’s Sabotage Seòlta / Cunning Sabotage.
The friends are members of rival choirs and their series delves into the rivalry between them when the Mòd comes around. The judges were unanimous when choosing the winning single vlog in which Alison gets her own back on Ricky for spying on her choir. The vlog in which Alison impersonates the conductor of the other choir to sabotage their rehearsal was funny, well scripted and well planned.
Joy Dunlop, a self-confessed Mòd geek, gave an overview of her Mòd as judge and competitor. Her second vlog in which she shows her journey to Stornoway was praised by the judges and got second place in the single vlog category and her series was awarded second place overall.
Marcas Mac an Tuairneir’s series of seven vlogs was awarded third place and a vlog by Na Cardigans – friends Hannah, Caitlin and Eilish was awarded third in the adult singe vlog category.
Calum Maclean, vlogger on BBC The Social, judged the competition, along with highly regarded singer and teacher, Sineag MacIntyre and Alison Bruce, An Comunn Gaidhealach development officer.
Calum said: “The vlogs that were received in the Vlog a Mhòid competition were really creative, imaginative and personal. Some made us laugh, some made us think, and some inspired us. We were amazed at how different they all were – giving a great overview of Mòd life.
“Those making their very first vlogs should be especially commended. Ultimately we, as judges, found it very difficult to decide between them – all the vloggers should be proud of their efforts.”
Iseabail MacTaggart, MG ALBA’s Director of Strategy and Partnership, said: “We were delighted with the quality of the vlogs across the competition, both in creative ideas and execution of filming and editing. It was clear that Mòd goers’ imaginations were fired up. We look forward to seeing more in the future!”
The winners of MG ALBA’s Mòd vlogging competition have been announced.
Thirty nine entries – 17 from young people and 22 from adults – were submitted to the Vlog a’ Mhòid/Mod Vlog competition, which asked for short video blogs about the Mòd from anyone participating in any way whether it be as a performer, TV viewer, radio listener, competition adjudicator or Mòd supporter. Each category winner receives the prize of a GoPro camera.
Winner in the young person’s single vlog category was Beth, 11, from Kilmaluag on the Isle of Skye with her vlog entitled Clann Thròndairnis aig Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2016. Beth was part of a group called Clann Thròndairnis, who competed in several competitions at the Mòd, and her vlog tells the story of their journey to Stornoway, the group competing and the prizes they won. The judges particularly praised her ability to communicate her story in such a fun and vibrant way, using video effects and pictures to enhance her vlog.
In second place was Matthew age nine from Edinburgh, whilst brothers Ewan and Andrew 13 and 10 respectively, from Laide couldn’t be separated and scooped joint third place.
In the young person’s vlog series category, friends Katie and Breagha, both 10 years old, from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, were crowned winners with an impressive series that told their entire Mòd story, including some excursions around Lewis and Harris, and ending with their ferry journey home. The last vlog in their series can be viewed here.
Second and third place respectively went to brothers Rufus and Felix (eight and five) from Oban, who both based their series on the journey to Stornoway, concluding with their competitions. In particular, judges praised Rufus for his creativity in his Bàrdachd Rufus vlog where he recites his Mòd poem in different places as he makes his way to Stornoway. In the adult categories, Ricky Hannaway and Alison MacRae, friends from the Isle of Lewis, made a humorous series of vlogs about the Mòd and the judges liked their entries Abair Sealladh! so much that not only did they win best adult series, but also best adult single vlog with Alison’s Sabotage Seòlta / Cunning Sabotage.
The friends are members of rival choirs and their series delves into the rivalry between them when the Mòd comes around. The judges were unanimous when choosing the winning single vlog in which Alison gets her own back on Ricky for spying on her choir. The vlog in which Alison impersonates the conductor of the other choir to sabotage their rehearsal was funny, well scripted and well planned.
Joy Dunlop, a self-confessed Mòd geek, gave an overview of her Mòd as judge and competitor. Her second vlog in which she shows her journey to Stornoway was praised by the judges and got second place in the single vlog category and her series was awarded second place overall.
Marcas Mac an Tuairneir’s series of seven vlogs was awarded third place and a vlog by Na Cardigans – friends Hannah, Caitlin and Eilish was awarded third in the adult singe vlog category.
Calum Maclean, vlogger on BBC The Social, judged the competition, along with highly regarded singer and teacher, Sineag MacIntyre and Alison Bruce, An Comunn Gaidhealach development officer.
Calum said: “The vlogs that were received in the Vlog a Mhòid competition were really creative, imaginative and personal. Some made us laugh, some made us think, and some inspired us. We were amazed at how different they all were – giving a great overview of Mòd life.
“Those making their very first vlogs should be especially commended. Ultimately we, as judges, found it very difficult to decide between them – all the vloggers should be proud of their efforts.”
Iseabail MacTaggart, MG ALBA’s Director of Strategy and Partnership, said: “We were delighted with the quality of the vlogs across the competition, both in creative ideas and execution of filming and editing. It was clear that Mòd goers’ imaginations were fired up. We look forward to seeing more in the future!”
MÒD VLOG CHAMPIONS ARE CROWNED
The winners of MG ALBA’s Mòd vlogging competition have been announced.
Thirty nine entries – 17 from young people and 22 from adults – were submitted to the Vlog a’ Mhòid/Mod Vlog competition, which asked for short video blogs about the Mòd from anyone participating in any way whether it be as a performer, TV viewer, radio listener, competition adjudicator or Mòd supporter. Each category winner receives the prize of a GoPro camera.
Winner in the young person’s single vlog category was Beth, 11, from Kilmaluag on the Isle of Skye with her vlog entitled Clann Thròndairnis aig Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2016. Beth was part of a group called Clann Thròndairnis, who competed in several competitions at the Mòd, and her vlog tells the story of their journey to Stornoway, the group competing and the prizes they won. The judges particularly praised her ability to communicate her story in such a fun and vibrant way, using video effects and pictures to enhance her vlog.
In second place was Matthew age nine from Edinburgh, whilst brothers Ewan and Andrew 13 and 10 respectively, from Laide couldn’t be separated and scooped joint third place.
In the young person’s vlog series category, friends Katie and Breagha, both 10 years old, from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, were crowned winners with an impressive series that told their entire Mòd story, including some excursions around Lewis and Harris, and ending with their ferry journey home. The last vlog in their series can be viewed here.
Second and third place respectively went to brothers Rufus and Felix (eight and five) from Oban, who both based their series on the journey to Stornoway, concluding with their competitions. In particular, judges praised Rufus for his creativity in his Bàrdachd Rufus vlog where he recites his Mòd poem in different places as he makes his way to Stornoway. In the adult categories, Ricky Hannaway and Alison MacRae, friends from the Isle of Lewis, made a humorous series of vlogs about the Mòd and the judges liked their entries Abair Sealladh! so much that not only did they win best adult series, but also best adult single vlog with Alison’s Sabotage Seòlta / Cunning Sabotage.
The friends are members of rival choirs and their series delves into the rivalry between them when the Mòd comes around. The judges were unanimous when choosing the winning single vlog in which Alison gets her own back on Ricky for spying on her choir. The vlog in which Alison impersonates the conductor of the other choir to sabotage their rehearsal was funny, well scripted and well planned.
Joy Dunlop, a self-confessed Mòd geek, gave an overview of her Mòd as judge and competitor. Her second vlog in which she shows her journey to Stornoway was praised by the judges and got second place in the single vlog category and her series was awarded second place overall.
Marcas Mac an Tuairneir’s series of seven vlogs was awarded third place and a vlog by Na Cardigans – friends Hannah, Caitlin and Eilish was awarded third in the adult singe vlog category.
Calum Maclean, vlogger on BBC The Social, judged the competition, along with highly regarded singer and teacher, Sineag MacIntyre and Alison Bruce, An Comunn Gaidhealach development officer.
Calum said: “The vlogs that were received in the Vlog a Mhòid competition were really creative, imaginative and personal. Some made us laugh, some made us think, and some inspired us. We were amazed at how different they all were – giving a great overview of Mòd life.
“Those making their very first vlogs should be especially commended. Ultimately we, as judges, found it very difficult to decide between them – all the vloggers should be proud of their efforts.”
Iseabail MacTaggart, MG ALBA’s Director of Strategy and Partnership, said: “We were delighted with the quality of the vlogs across the competition, both in creative ideas and execution of filming and editing. It was clear that Mòd goers’ imaginations were fired up. We look forward to seeing more in the future!”
TWO WEEKS TO GO! LAST CHANCE TO ENTER THIS YEAR’S FILMG COMPETITION
After a very exciting and busy six months, the closing date for entries in FilmG 2017 is fast approaching. However, if anyone is yet to complete their film there are still two weeks left, before the competition closes on Wednesday 14th December.
Whether it be a comedy, drama, documentary or even a music video, one of the simplest ways to make a short film, is to use mobile technology. Making a film is easier than you might think… As long as you have a mobile phone or tablet and a germ of an idea, you can download one of the many editing apps, such as iMovie or FilmoraGo and you too can be in with the chance of winning a fantastic £500 voucher, for Best Mobile Short in the open category.
This year saw the addition of two new categories; Best Sports Commentary and in the Youth section, a prize for Best Animation. As with the mobile shorts, everyday technology can be used to create simple and effective stop motion films using props you have to hand.
So, if you prefer the latest Pixar release to the newest Blockbuster, then why not try your hand at an animation – even if your school has already entered a film, there is still time to showcase your own creativity too! Animated entries must contain a Gaelic element.
The FilmG team are hopeful that the increasing availability of technology along with a broader range of prizes than ever before will see a record number of entries this year.
Remember, the theme for this year’s FilmG competition is ‘Strì’ meaning to strive or endeavour. This year’s topic has already inspired films of all genres – why not add yours to the list? Again, entries must be submitted by Wednesday 14th December. All films must be in Scottish Gaelic and can be up to five minutes long for youth category entrants or up to eight minutes in length for open category entrants. So go on, what are you waiting for?!
For some last minute inspiration, remember to check out films from previous years, these are available to watch online at www.filmg.co.uk. If you would still like to make a film and/or want to know more about the competition, please contact eilidh.rankin@canan.co.uk or moira@canan.co.uk
CELTIC FORMAT PILOT SCHEME 2016/17
For the second year, BBC ALBA, S4C and TG4 are pleased to be working together on a Celtic Formats Scheme. Ideas are invited for an original, unscripted factual entertainment format that taps into the zeitgeist and will appeal across the Celtic nations and beyond.
Funding from MG ALBA, S4C and TG4 totalling £15,000 is on offer with the aim of developing a pilot that can be produced in the Celtic nations independently and further afield.
Iseabail Mactaggart, Director of Strategy and Partnership for MG ALBA said: “We are ambitious for Gaelic broadcasting and for our suppliers and this scheme allows us the space to create a new format and to collaborate with other broadcasters and markets”.
Further information on the scheme can be found here.
THE BIG GAELIC SURVEY ASKS HOW MEDIA CAN HELP THE GAELIC LANGUAGE TO PROSPER
A new survey has been launched as part of research examining the impact of Gaelic media on learning of the language.
The Big Gaelic Survey, which has been commissioned by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and MG ALBA, is being conducted independently from the two organisations by Meriel Young Consulting, a research consultancy based in Edinburgh.
Three questionnaires have been launched aimed at those with varying levels of Gaelic proficiency: Gaelic speakers, Gaelic learners and those who are interested in learning Gaelic in the future.
Respondents can access the survey by visiting the dedicated website at www.thebiggaelicsurvey.co.uk. Responses should take no more than five minutes to complete.
Among the topics raised in the questionnaire are the impact of platforms such as BBC ALBA and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, the availability and quality of Gaelic learning materials and the gaps that may exist in resources to encourage more people to not only learn Gaelic but improve their aptitude in the language.
Meriel Young, from Meriel Young Consulting, said: “The research which has been commissioned by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and MG ALBA will help to inform the future of Gaelic media in forthcoming years. We want to reach a wide range of respondents, from fluent Gaelic speakers to those who would like to learn the language but have yet to do so. By reaching as many people as possible, male and female, young and old, we can enhance the value of our findings.”
Bòrd na Gàidhlig Ceannard (CEO), Shona MacLennan said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig wants to understand better how people learn and enhance their Gaelic skills. It is paramount for planning and developing the language that we understand how the media helps Gaelic speakers, learners, and those interested in learning access the language. This is the first time research such as this has been undertaken and it will enable us to measure just how important the media is in growing Gaelic.”
Iseabail Mactaggart, Director of Strategy and Partnership at MG ALBA, said: “Our Lèirsinn 2021 strategy was launched last December with a five-year objective of transforming the contribution of Gaelic media to the revitalisation of the language. This new independently conducted research will enable us to understand the role media play in Gaelic language learning, from cradle to grave, and we are looking to hear opinions on what users feel they need to further develop their language skills. Digital media is evolving quickly and we must ensure that we support Gaelic language learning, capitalising on new opportunities as they become available.”
