Sunset+Vine will be producing BBC ALBA’s sports coverage with a new multi-annual contract.

The UK-based company landed the three-year deal after a competitive commissioning process. Sunset+Vine will be responsible for delivering the coverage of at least 176 hours of live sporting events per annum, including football, shinty and rugby.

This will see the sports indie deliver a minimum of 26 live SWPL games each season and 21 live SPFL League 1 games and Glasgow Celtic Society Challenge Cup games.

The global sports producer will also cover a range of live shinty with this year’s Camanachd Cup Semi-Finals, the Cottages.com MacAulay Cup Final, the Valerie Fraser Cup Final and the historic Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final all taking place in August and September.

Sunset+Vine’s first live match was the Camanachd Cup Semi-Final between Kinlochshiel and Kingussie on 5th August and the team has since broadcast further shinty and the first of the 2023 season SWPL games.

Recent coverage also features the debut of BBC ALBA’s brand-new sports branding. The new look adopts the bold and iconic yellow branding used across other sports brands in the BBC portfolio, making BBC ALBA’s high-quality sports brand instantly recognisable to audiences.

Margaret Cameron, Director of Content at MG ALBA, said: “Sport continues to be a major draw for BBC ALBA audiences and we’re committed to building on our reputation of delivering high-quality, high-impact sporting moments.

“This three-year contract is of strategic importance to MG ALBA and BBC ALBA. We look forward to working with Sunset+Vine to build on BBC ALBA’s reputation as a provider of high-quality sports coverage and our commitment to, in particular, Scottish women’s sport.”

Grant Philips, Head of Sunset+Vine Scotland, said: “At Sunset+Vine, we specialise in live sports coverage in Scotland, the U.K. and around the World. We are delighted to be working with MG ALBA and BBC ALBA to bring a brand new and fresh approach to their sports output. We will deliver the highest production standards over the next 3 seasons for BBC ALBA’s viewers.”

Watch LIVE Cinch SPFL League 1 from Saturday 26th August and continuing ScottishPower SWPL coverage on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer from Sunday 27th August.

LIVE coverage of shinty’s WCA Mowi Valerie Fraser Cup Final features on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 2nd September 2023.

The digital future of Gaelic media is the focus of MG ALBA as they publish their Annual Report today. 

The annual overview of the work of MG ALBA and the wider sector highlights high audience appreciation and an award-winning year for BBC ALBA content, as well as a range of activities and initiatives which are supporting the Gaelic media sector.

However, Gaelic media is not immune to the challenges within the wider media sector, with diminishing linear audiences, and the impact of high broadcast inflation key drivers for change. Positive growth in short form content views across platforms points to the need to secure Gaelic’s space in the digital media domain, as stressed by Chair John Morrison:

“I am under no illusions about the task ahead. Media is going through a time of rapid change driven by the digital revolution, and MG ALBA is no different. The ways in which audiences consume content are almost unrecognisable from five years ago. We must follow the audience.”

Gaelic media must react to the changes in the marketplace but is severely hampered by a funding model which John Morrison states is “not working”. This is particularly challenging when compared with other minority language media providers who have stability of funding due to statutory recognition as outlined by Chief Executive Donald Campbell:

“At a time when the survival of Gaelic media is at stake, I am proud to report that appreciation of our Gaelic media content has never been higher. But I must also point out the high degree of challenge – at a time of ferocious competition and high inflationary pressures – in continuing to deliver a service that depends on annual and uncertain funding allocations and which, unlike the Welsh and Irish language services, has no statutory protections.”

MG ALBA continues to actively engage with the UK Government, Scottish Government and the BBC to improve the settlement for Gaelic media. This includes a recent round table, hosted by the Department of Culture, Media & Sport, to discuss the coordination of funding to Gaelic media.

MG ALBA’s Annual Report 2022/23 can be found here.

FilmG, the renowned Gaelic short film competition, embarks on its 16th year with its mission to discover Scotland’s future media industry professionals.

The Open and Youth competitions are now live, inviting entrants to explore this year’s theme, ‘Mo Shealladh’ (My Point of View). To participate, simply create a Gaelic film under five minutes and submit it by the December deadline.

Megan Dale, FilmG Project Manager, said, “We want compelling, funny, scary or dramatic stories that represent Gaelic, modern life or any creative interpretation of ‘my point of view’.

“FilmG is the perfect platform – we’ll nurture and develop filmmakers and showcase their skills competitively, shaping the future of Gaelic media.”

Summer events will take place in Inverness, Edinburgh, and more, fostering collaboration among Gaels and attracting both new and returning filmmakers. Later in the year, the team will deliver workshops across Scotland after recently making strides in Canada during Nova Scotia’s Gaelic Month.

FilmG welcomes entries across its 16 categories, offering a range of new and enhanced awards to ensure an exciting and diverse competition. While ‘My Point of View’ may inspire creativity, films of all kinds and subject matters are encouraged to enter, as only two awards are contingent on the theme.

Alison Bruce, Brands Communication Manager for MG ALBA, which owns FilmG, said, “We are delighted to launch the 16th edition of FilmG, and with this revamp, the fresh feel to the competition has us more excited than ever to see this year’s entries.”

To explore the categories, rules and entry requirements, or to connect with the FilmG team, visit www.filmg.co.uk.

FilmG, the celebrated Gaelic short-film competition, expanded transatlantic for the first time during Nova Scotia’s annual Gaelic month in May. 

With no entries from Canada in its 15-year history, the FilmG team spent a week fostering connections in Nova Scotia, a thriving hub of Gaelic language and culture.

Engaging activities were organized in various schools and community events throughout the province, including a special workshop at the Gaelic College in Cape Breton. These efforts led to a positive response from educational institutions and budding filmmakers alike.

FilmG’s Project Manager, Murdo MacSween, reflected on the initiative: “Our venture into Nova Scotia not only brings Gaelic narratives from different continents together, but it also opens up a new realm of inspiration for our Gaelic storytellers.”

In Halifax, a crash course film workshop was held in partnership with the Gaelic Filmmakers’ Society of Nova Scotia, an initiative spearheaded by filmmakers Joyce MacDonald and Iain MacLeod.

As well as writing and producing Gaelic short films, and with another Gaelic film in pre-production, Iain MacLeod is known for his writing for the renowned comedy series Trailer Park Boys, which was based in the province.

Iain MacLeod enthused: “Nova Scotia’s Gaelic pride will be on display as we create compelling films for FilmG, heralding a new era of transatlantic collaboration and opening up our filmmakers to new and exciting opportunities.”

The 16th annual FilmG competition will launch later this month.

BBC ALBA is continuing to bring Gaelic broadcasting to the world through the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) content-sharing scheme.

BBC ALBA is able to share its children’s drama and documentaries with other member broadcasters through an initiative which creates a prestigious, international showcase of some of the best children’s content from across the world.

BBC ALBA has been involved in the drama exchange for eight years and the documentary scheme for five years and have contributed eight dramas and five documentaries to the scheme, with Gaelic content being shown in more than 18 countries, including Finland, Spain, Japan and China.

Three films from 2022 have picked up awards with Cùm Sùil Orm, a story about a young refugee’s reunion with his father, winning an Royal Television Society Scotland (RTS) Award, as well as taking top spots at The Children’s Film Festival Seattle, KidFilm Festival Dallas and Aryan Intl. Children’s Festival.

This success follows on from 2019 RTS Scotland award winner, Buidheagan, which was commissioned as part of the EBU drama scheme.

Buidheagan – produced by Sorbier Productions – RTS Scotland winner 2019.

BBC ALBA has shown content from Ireland, Wales, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Finland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Greece, Bulgaria, Thailand, China and Japan.

Ahead of the EBU’s annual conference in Manchester this week (March 9 and 10), MG ALBA executive producer Bill MacLeod has been reflecting on their relationship with colleagues on the continent and beyond.

He said: “These short films have been an outstanding, popular and critical success and have placed Gaelic writers, actors, directors and producers at the top table of world-class kids’ filmmaking.

“Collaborating with colleagues from across Europe, and beyond, has been an incredibly creative and happy experience.”

Matthew Trustram, Head of TV at the EBU, said: “The kids’ drama and documentary co-productions are the longest-running EBU children’s programme exchanges, both reflecting amongst others a very successful EBU-BBC ALBA collaboration in the area of children’s programmes.

“The now eight-year-long relationship with BBC ALBA on these two programmes has added value to a good and responsible exchange in the field of children’s television and as a guarantee for high-quality content.

“BBC ALBA’s production teams’ consistency and professionalism offer, every year, very attractive films with very diverse and varied content. This is of particular importance to all EBU Members broadcasters involved from around the world, given the ever-increasing financial pressure in the media world in general and children’s programmes in particular.”

FilmG, the Gaelic short film competition, celebrated its 15th year with a glitzy ceremony in Glasgow last night (Thursday 16 February).  

Parker Dawes from Ardnamurchan, who won three awards last year, picked up Best Film in the Youth Competition for Gàidhlig sa Chiste.  

Eilidh Johnson from Inverness, also a three-time winner in previous years, scooped up Best Film in the Open Competition with Bochd (Sick), made with her partner and fellow filmmaker Allan Crook. 

This year’s FilmG theme ‘Buidhe’ (Yellow) was interpreted in a variety of ways by filmmakers, and it wasn’t to be forgotten at the awards ceremony as yellow lights and signs lit up the venue. 

It was the first time since 2020 that the FilmG awards were back at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow, and BBC ALBA presenter Fiona MacKenzie and Radio nan Gàidheal host Niall Iain MacDonald took to the stage to celebrate the wealth of talent and creativity shown in this year’s competition. 

Fiona Mackenzie commented: “It’s great to be back in Glasgow and surrounded by such bright young talent.

“It was like looking onto a sea of yellow from the stage, and so lovely to see such delighted faces celebrating Gaelic creativity and storytelling.”

Eilidh Johnson (22) and Allan Crook’s film Bochd (Sick) was nominated across five different categories, winning two awards, for Best Film and Best Performance (Open) by Eilidh. 

The sinister short drama managed to incorporate this year’s theme following a young woman struck down by a mysterious yellow illness after a blind date.  

Parker Dawes (15) from Ardnamurchan created the animation Gàidhlig sa Chiste about the chaos that could ensue if every English word in the world turned to Gaelic.

The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow was packed out for the awards.

Parker, who has been taking animation courses with the British Film Institute alongside tutors from Aardman Animations, took home the prize for Best Film (Youth) and Best Script, while picking up nominations in a further two categories. 

Also in the Youth Competition, Finlay Morrison (14) from Glasgow Gaelic School had a successful evening, picking up two of the most prestigious individual awards.  

Finlay collected trophies for Best Performance (Youth) and the Rising Star Award for Ò, Nuair a Bha Mise Òg! (Oh, When I Was Young!) – a comedy he produced and acted in with his younger brother, Calum – adding to his collection of trophies from previous years. 

Murdo MacSween, FilmG Project Manager at Astar, who deliver the project, said: “Seeing winners like Finlay, Eilidh and Parker return to win even more awards is a testament to the success of FilmG.

“The development of FilmG filmmakers is a key aspect of why the competition exists and the high-quality films on show at the awards demonstrate the promising future of Gaelic media.”

With over 59,000 votes across both competitions, the FilmG Choice Awards were a hotly-fought contests.  

It was Broadford Primary School in the Isle of Skye who took home the prize in the Youth Competition with their MI5-inspired Misean a dh’ Astràlia (Mission to Australia). 

Glasgow-based artist Choirstaidh NicArtair (26) won the prize in the Open Competition with Priob, mixing her animation with her own performance of communicating with her late grandfather through radio waves. 

Other Youth Competition Winners

The Isle of Skye has been fertile ground for Gaelic filmmakers over the years, and this year was no exception with Portree High School and Staffin Primary School taking home prizes, adding to the FilmG Choice Award for Broadford Primary School. 

Portree High School put their own spin on the story behind the 19th century song Òganaich an Òr Fhuilt Bhuidhe in Eachdraidh Uabhasach whilst Staffin Primary School showed how easy it can be to mistake Maligar in Skye for Malaga in Spain in their film Teas aig Deas. 

The Gaelic Award was presented to Millburn Academy for their film Dath Falaichte (Hidden Colour) which was commended for its clever and innovative use of the language by the class of Gaelic learners. 

And the Best Documentary trophy will be returning to the Isle of Harris, with Sgoil Sir E Scott and Comunn na Gàidhlig’s documentary about the local lifeboat crew picked as the judge’s favourite. 

Other Open Competition Winners

Previous FilmG winner Innes MacLeòid (35) from the Isle of Lewis returned to collect the Industry Award, being praised for his camera work on Gàidheil Ùra, his documentary following the lives of fluent Gaelic learners. 

After being named the most influential Scottish TikToker at the end of last year, Calum MacLean (34) continued his winning streak picking up the Creativity Award with Snàmh, le Wes Anderson; inspired by the stylings of the Grand Budapest director.   

Kirsty McBain (24) and Cara Turner (22) together collected the award for Best Director for their film Na Caileagan Gàidhealach (The Gael Girls), a Kardashians-inspired Glasgow Gael film.  

Kirsty and Cara both already work in media, with hopes that this award can push them along on their own career paths. 

The Culture Award was won by The Hebridean Men’s Cancer Support Group and pupils from the Nicolson Institute. Na Balaich highlighted the importance of the group as it marks 15 years of bringing men together to share their experience of having cancer.   

The schoolboys will be donating half of their £1000 prizemoney to The Hebridean Men’s Cancer Support Group with the other £500 going towards future filmmaking endeavours. 

Sorley Johnston (20) collected the award for Best Student Film for his van-life documentary Air an Rathad.  

Sorley is a well-known Gaelic content creator who is the final months of his Sabhal Mòr Ostaig media course and who recently starred on BBC2’s Take A Hike.

Eilidh Johnson and Allan Crook winning Best Film (Open) (sponsored by Ricochet, a Warner Bros. International Television Production Company), with their film ‘Bochd’.

Alison Bruce, FilmG Project Executive from MG ALBA, said: “It’s been another fantastic year for entries, and we’re delighted to see such a wealth of talent coming through the competition year on year.

“The great effort and ambition shown by schools, community groups and individual filmmakers has certainly paid off. We look forward to seeing what’s next for all involved.”

Highlights of the awards ceremony will be shown on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Friday 24th February at 9pm.

The complete list of winners can be found on the FilmG website at www.filmg.co.uk.

Follow FilmG on social media to stay up-to-date with next year’s competition.

BBC ALBA’s new drama series, An Clò Mòr, is to return for a second series later this year.

The first series of the Harris Tweed-based drama aired on BBC ALBA over six parts in January and February of 2023 and became an instant favourite with audiences.

Writers Patsi Mackenzie and Catriona Lexy Campbell have begun the script writing process for a second series, picking up on the cliff-hangers at the end of series one of An Clò Mòr and the first round of filming in the Western Isles is scheduled for May.

From mysterious arrivals to illicit love affairs and a family on the brink of collapse, series one of An Clò Mòr was punctuated with super-charged, tension-filled moments and had audiences hooked with bold tales of passion, rivalry and intrigue.

The first series was set around MacSween’s Mill – a traditional family-run tweed business in crisis – where a skeleton workforce were clinging onto their jobs by their fingertips, with time running out for mill owner, Seumas MacSween (Ewan MacKinnon). Series two will determine what’s going to happen to Seumas and the mill.

In a desperate attempt to bail out his business and continue with traditional ways, Seumas sought the financial help of old family friends from Norway.

Norwegian businessman Johan Furseth (Fredrik Malte Petersen) arrived on the island full of swagger and cut-throat business plans but soon clashed with mill manager, Sìleas MacSween (Erica Morrison).

Old resentments and underlying tensions in the MacSween family were unearthed, delivering a host of gripping, contemporary storylines. Expect more of the same in series two as we wonder how the mill is going to survive.

Erica Morrison as Sileas MacSween.  © Sradag Creative / Solus Productions/ MG ALBA.

The rich colour palette of the Harris landscape, the atmospheric soundtrack of fast-paced looms weaving rich and textured tweed and a family teetering on the brink of collapse will, once again, provide a vibrant backdrop for this stylish drama.

Produced by Solus Productions, executive producer/director, Tony Kearney, is delighted to have a second series confirmed for next year and can’t wait to bring viewers back into the picture about the goings on in the fictional village of Gàirneabhal.

Tony Kearney said: “We have been utterly overwhelmed with the positive response to series one of An Clò Mòr.

“TV audiences really identify with the strong characters, the colourful vistas and the bold storytelling. There is clearly an appetite out there for this kind of drama and we are delighted BBC ALBA are affording us the opportunity to make a second series.”

Executive producer Jim Webster said: “Solus is thrilled to have been given the go ahead to create a new series of ‘An Clò Mòr’ for BBC ALBA.

“The reaction to S1 has been fantastic and we are already having lots of fun in the story room making sure all the drama will continue in style for the MacSween clan in series two.

“We were extremely fortunate to work with such a talented cast and crew in series one, as well as experiencing wonderful co-operation from the community in Harris, Scalpay and Lewis. Suffice to say, we can’t wait to return this May to film the next chapter.”

Writer Patsi Mackenzie said: “An Clò Mòr offered up a tantalising array of strong characters, standing by to have their stories told.

“The twists and turns across generations, are the real driving force. And it’s thrilling to create fresh drama, set and filmed in a landscape known to me all my life.”

MG ALBA executive producer Bill MacLeod said: “An Clò Mòr is a cornerstone of BBC ALBA’s output and so MG ALBA is delighted to fund and commission a second series of this punchy drama.

“A colourful series full of twists and turns has kept viewers on the edge of their seats. We left the first show on a cliff-hanger and are excited by the prospect of more revelations and surprises to come.

“An Clò Mòr has been a game-changer for Gaelic-language drama and has opened the door to a wide and appreciative audience.”

All episodes of An Clò Mòr series one are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Excitement is building for the Western Isles Island Games Association (WIIGA) Women’s football team as MG ALBA announce a significant sponsorship package which will support the team on their journey to the 2023 NatWest International Island Games in Guernsey and throughout the competition.

The logo of MG ALBA brand SpeakGaelic will be prominently displayed on the front of the football shirts to be worn by the WIIGA Women’s Football Team to showcase the opportunities for learning Gaelic to the world-wide audiences who will be enjoying the Games.  MG ALBA’s logo will also be displayed on the shirt sleeve.

MG ALBA’s social media will be the place to keep track of the team as they prepare for the Games as they will be creating exclusive content for the MG ALBA platforms, giving an insight into the team, their training and preparations for this big occasion.

MG ALBA’s Director of Strategy & External Affairs, Ealasaid MacDonald said:

“MG ALBA is proud to support WIIGA Women’s Football Team as they gear up to represent the Western Isles in Guernsey this summer. We will be sharing their Games with a wide audience and through our shirt sponsorship showcasing the opportunity to learn Gaelic through SpeakGaelic.

“This comes at an exciting time for the SpeakGaelic brand with the launch of new course materials early January which are aimed at intermediate learners or Gaelic-speakers looking to brush up on their language skills.”

Western Isles Women’s Football Squad Head Coach, Euan MacLeod said:

“MG ALBA’s continued support for the Western Isles Women’s Football Squad is again greatly appreciated and warmly welcomed.

“We believe it is a perfect partnership between two bodies whose aspirations are to positively represent and support our community.

“MG ALBA’s support ensures the female footballers of the Western Isles continue to thrive, progress, and evolve towards a constantly increasing degree of excellence.

“The Western Isles Women’s Football Squad’s hope is to inspire girls from across the entirety of our Islands and to embolden them towards following their dream of playing the sport they love.”

BBC ALBA’s flagship language learning programme SpeakGaelic has returned for a new season to guide and inspire new learners and Gaelic speakers looking to brush up on their language skills.

This new series focuses on advancing language ability as Joy Dunlop and Calum Maclean work with intermediate level learners.

Viewers will be both educated and entertained as presenter Joy inspires people to speak Gaelic. Throughout this series, she’ll introduce words and phrases on a variety of everyday topics such as health and wellbeing, cooking, sports and the environment.

A Gaelic learner herself, Joy, will support learners through pronunciation and vocabulary.

The series will feature speakers who have embraced the language, from new learners to native speakers looking to gain confidence and brush up on their skills and those who have built their language skills over time.

And the intrepid Calum MacLean – who was recently crowned Scotland’s top TikTok influencer –  takes us on adventures off the beaten track around Scotland.

Accompanying the SpeakGaelic TV series, is a free online course where learners can learn at their own pace and a new series of the SpeakGaelic podcast  – presented by John Urquhart.  Thirteen episodes are available on BBC Sounds, with new weekly episodes of SpeakGaelic Extra being made available over the coming months.

Joy Dunlop said: “I’m so excited at the return of SpeakGaelic and to be taking our intrepid learners to a new level in their Gaelic journey.

“Their enthusiasm and love for the course is infectious and I hope that it helps inspire others to take the first step on their learning journey.”

Intrepid explorer Calum Maclean also features throughout the series.

Calum Maclean said: “I’m delighted to be back on the road, exploring Scotland and meeting people from all over.

“I really enjoy connecting the activities and places with the Gaelic language and meeting other Gaelic speakers, too.”

SpeakGaelic season three airs on BBC ALBA every Monday at 7.30pm. The first 13 episodes in this series are now available to watch on BBC iPlayer as well as YouTube for international viewers.

Supporting materials can be found online: www.speakgaelic.scot, via SpeakGaelic’s social media platforms and in the SpeakGaelic podcasts on BBC Sounds.

Enjoy a fabulous offering of festive programmes with love from BBC ALBA.

From must-see dramas and nostalgic documentaries to live music and, of course, plenty of festive fun, BBC ALBA is the perfect place to be this Christmas.

Some magical treats await on Christmas Eve starting with Clò Beag Chirsty Bella which tells the tale of a little girl from Harris who wants to produce her own tweed.

There’s nostalgia aplenty in Oidhche Gun Tàmh | Lewisian Nights which delves into the music scene in Lewis. From the halcyon days of the 1960s to the present day, local musician Iain “Spanish” Mackay takes a fond look over the years and wonders what the future holds.

Bringing Christmas Eve to a close, an Alleluia! Christmas special from the magical Coats Paisley features a selection of much-loved carols, seasonal hymns and personal reflections presented by Iain MacKinnon.

Spend Christmas Day with Padruig MacCuinn (Gàrradh Phàdruig) and Coinneach Macleod (aka The Hebridean Baker) at their family hut on the Isle of Seil in Nollaig sa Bhothaig.

Peter MacQueen, his partner Coinneach MacLeod and their Westie Seòras celebrate Christmas at the family hut in Argyll in ‘Nollaig sa Bhothaig’

With help from their guests and Seòras, the faithful Westie, Pàdruig and Coinneach transform their simple hut into a sparkling winter wonderland – the perfect location for a traditional Christmas of mistletoe and wine, music and song, love and laughter.

Also featuring on Christmas day is Dad Sam Bith (Every Dad) – a heart-warming story of an imaginative boy – Mason – who, curious about his absent father, manages to find three very different dads.

From the make believe to the very real, Barraigh gu Barcelona lifts the lid on the life of 10-year-old Alanna, a fashion model from the Isle of Barra who is in high demand for some of Europe’s biggest clothing brands.

Boxing Day brings another magical children’s programme in animation Yoyo & The Little Auk – accompanied by a beautiful score from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, it tells the tale of a little auk that gets separated from its flock.

Kirsty MacDonald makes an incredible trip to Uummannaq in Greenland

Beautifully-shot documentaries Dùthchas and Greenland – Sgeul Isobel Wylie Hutchison transport viewers to different places and times.

Dùthchas uses previously unseen archive footage from the ‘60s and ‘70s set to a specially-composed soundtrack by Donald Shaw to tell the poignant and emotive story of migration and cultural loss in the island of Berneray.

Greenland – Sgeul Isobel Wylie Hutchison spreads its wings further as Kirsty MacDonald follows in the footsteps of her pioneering Scottish adventurer relative Isobel Wylie Hutchison. From Scotland to Uummannaq in Greenland, Kirsty meets people whose relatives were photographed by Isobel in the 1920s.

On Hogmanay Deilbh Dr Hay explores another pictorial legacy, this time that of Dr John Hay from Uig on the Isle of Lewis; there’s more fabulous archive to be seen in a celebration of 25 years of the HebCelt Festival and OMC! returns with a brilliant new comedy series.

BBC ALBA’s cèilidh, hosted by Cathy MacDonald and Niall Iain Macdonald, will bring in the new year in the company of a brilliant array of musicians and guests in Mallaig.

The music continues with Barrowland Roar as the likes of Gun, Amy MacDonald and Travis talk about their experiences of the famous venue on New Year’s Day.

And 2023 continues in dramatic fashion as a fresh, new six part drama series An Clò Mòr premieres.  From mysterious arrivals to illicit love affairs and a family on the brink of collapse, An Clò Mòr promises super-charged, tension-filled moments.

And we hear about what is was really like in, Trusadh: Muinntir a’ Mhuilinn/Mill Yarns – where ex-mill workers reunite to reminisce about this important island industry.

The BBC ALBA festive schedule also features a powerful documentary Mise is ADHD; a celebration of Aonghas Dubh MacNeacail in his 80th year and a host of kids programmes such as Ernest and Celestine, Father Frismas and The Smeds and the Smoos.

For more information please refer to the full BBC ALBA festive schedule here