MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards returned to Dundee’s Caird Hall, live & on screens, for its celebratory 20th anniversary on Sunday 4th December 2022.
The popular annual MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, which recently won a Royal Society of Television Award with MG ALBA & production company BEEZR TV, held a spectacular once-in-a-generation night to remember, including live performances from Elephant Sessions, FARA, Trip, the Eryn Rae Trio (BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award Winner 2022), the Gordon Shand Scottish Dance Band, The Auldeners, St. Roch’s Irish Minstrels and Tayside Young Fiddlers, plus a Tribute to James Alexander, Fochabers fiddle teacher and performer, from his former pupils, and a special mention of the Youth Music Initiative, which also celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Organising body, Hands Up for Trad, funded by the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland, was formed in 2002 and exists to increase the profile and visibility of Scottish traditional arts, language, culture and music through information, advocacy and education to artists, participants and audiences.
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “The scope and scale of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards is nothing short of astonishing. This year’s winners represent the past, present, and future of Scotland’s traditional music, with artists and organisations hailing from the length and breadth of the country. Creative Scotland supports categories that focus on two key priorities – language and education – and so we’re particularly happy to see author Anne Donovan recognised with the Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language and fiddler Charlie Mckerron named Music Tutor of the Year. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, because it’s your passion and pride in Scotland’s heritage that make Na Trads one of the most important cultural events of the year.”
Organiser, and Hands Up For Trad & Awards Founder, Simon Thoumire said, “In difficult times bands are getting back out on the road and filling venues across the world, bringing joy to people, and it’s great to be back to celebrate this and showcase all the work that has been taking place to fill people’s lives with music, whilst also remembering that we need to support our clubs and venues.”
The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards annual Gala rocks the scene by championing top Scottish traditional musicians of all genres, recognising, and celebrating the wealth of talent via phenomenal performances, which this year was live from Caird Hall in Dundee City Centre, and on BBC ALBA at 9.00pm.
Margaret Cameron, Director of Content at MG ALBA said, “It is always a pleasure to see the incredible wealth of talent we have in the world of Scottish traditional music showcased on BBC ALBA, and there are few nights better than Na Trads for doing just that. The 20th anniversary celebration was a night to remember.”
Broadcast in partnership with headline sponsor MG ALBA on BBC ALBA, people voted for their favourites to win the prestigious Awards via the website and links on social media from Monday 7th November to Sunday 20th November 2022, which generated 100,000’s of public votes.
Ealasaid MacDonald, Director of Strategy & External Affairs at MG ALBA, said: “MG ALBA are extremely proud to sponsor these awards, which celebrated 20 spectacular years of Na Trads. It’s been a very difficult couple of years for the music industry in Scotland and that’s what makes this recognition for all the impressive innovation and collaboration all the more important.”
Hands Up For Trad supports many aspects of traditional Scottish Music, Arts & Culture, through events, supporting artists, awards, teaching, and fundraising. The Awards give recognition to excellence within Scotland’s thriving traditional musical culture. Encompassing all aspects of making and playing from composing, Gaelic song, folk and Scottish dance music to pipe bands and a host of others in between, each year sees a lively and enthusiastic crowd enjoying some of the biggest names as the industry and audiences join to honour singers, instrumentalists, composers, and songwriters.
For 2022 and the 20th Anniversary year, the 27 Award Winners are:
The Hands Up for Trad Scottish Traditional Music Production Awards
Catriona Garbutt
Karen Matheson
Jim Mclean
Mike Whellans
Mick West
Frank and Jean Bechhoffer
The Fraser Shaw Trust, sponsoring the Club of the Year Award, was started after Fraser’s passing from Multiple Sclerosis in May 2015, by a group of friends and family in his honour. Fraser Shaw was a brilliant piper, whistle player and composer from Glasgow. He had started playing the pipes at the age of 6, and at 16 moved to the Isle of Skye to study at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. The foremost aim of the Fraser Shaw Trust is to raise money for the relief of multiple sclerosis, particularly in Argyll, Scotland, through a series of projects and events celebrating Fraser and his music. The first project was to release his much anticipated Tunebook, along with an album comprised of his music. Proceeds of the Tunebook go directly towards the MS Care Centre in Lochilphead. Proceeds of the album are used for the advancement of education, arts and culture and for the relief of those living with multiple sclerosis in Scotland, particularly on the Isle of Islay.
Read more at www.frasershawtrust.com/about/
Keep up to date on Twitter @handsupfortrad Instagram @handsupfortrad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handsupfortrad
Please use Hashtags #NaTrads #HUFTOnline #BBCALBA
BBC ALBA will kick off the new year in bold fashion with the launch of Harris Tweed-based drama, An Clò Mòr.
The new, six-part series will premiere on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Monday 2 January 2023 at 9pm.
This vibrant Hebridean based international industry has been dramatised in a bold tale of passion, rivalry and intrigue for audiences in Scotland and the UK. From mysterious arrivals to illicit love affairs and a family on the brink of collapse, this fresh, new drama is punctuated with super charged, tension filled moments.
The series is set around MacSween’s Mill – a traditional family-run tweed business – and opens with the business in crisis. A skeleton workforce cling onto their jobs by their fingertips, and time is running out for mill owner, Seumas MacSween (Ewan MacKinnon), as he tries to rescue his business.
In a desperate attempt to bail out his business and continue with traditional ways, Seumas seeks the financial help of old family friends from Norway.
Norwegian businessman Johan Furseth (Fredrik Malte Petersen) arrives on the island full of swagger and cut-throat business plans but soon clashes with mill manager, Sìleas MacSween (Erica Morrison).
Erica Morrison – who plays glamorous mill manager Sìleas MacSween. © Sradag Creative / Solus Productions / MG ALBA.
Old resentments and underlying tensions in the MacSween family are unearthed, delivering a host of gripping, contemporary storylines.
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 provides a vibrant back drop for this stylish drama.
An Clò Mòr is produced by Solus Productions for BBC ALBA and is funded by MG ALBA and Screen Scotland.
Executive producer/director Tony Kearney said: “The Harris Tweed industry is colourful and fascinating. Basing a drama around this topical, international and exciting world gives us so much story potential.
“Filming in the traditional artisan Carloway Tweed Mill on the west side of the Isle of Lewis was an experience I shall never forget. The staff were so accommodating and witnessing this 19th century craft up close was an utter privilege.
“It was also a joy to film against the backdrop of the beautiful Isle of Harris. We had an incredibly-talented cast, each and every one of them immersed themselves into their respective characters, adding their own particular nuances along the way. We’re just so excited to share this new drama with the wider public now!”
Ewen MacKinnon – who plays mill owner Seumas MacSween. © Sradag Creative / Solus Productions / MG ALBA.
Executive producer Jim Webster added: “We at Solus Productions strongly believe that this new stylish, vibrant, high-quality Gaelic language drama will have maximum broad appeal to the heartland Gaelic-speaking audiences and beyond.
“It’s an ambitious drama which pushes our characters to the brink and, in turn, should make the audience wince, laugh and cry along the way. We hope the audience enjoys watching it as much as we enjoyed shooting it in the beautiful Western Isles.”
Executive producer and commissioner Bill Macleod said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to bring this stunning production to BBC ALBA.
“Set amongst the wonderful landscape and industry of the Western Isles, An Clò Mòr is a magnificent representation of our Gaelic heartland, but also carries an international flavour.
“We can’t wait to start watching the drama unfold with you in the new year.”
Sean Greenhorn, Screen Scotland screen officer – scripted said: “An Clò Mòr is a riveting story of familial passion and rivalry based in the Hebrides, for today’s audiences.
“Through collaboration with our colleagues at MG ALBA and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, alongside Solus Productions, this production made it possible to deliver a valuable training programme to the local community.
“Developing the crew base is essential to the rapid growth of our screen industry, as we continue to deliver training and production support right across Scotland.”
Episode one of An Clò Mòr airs on BBC ALBA on Monday 2 January at 9pm and will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
With less than a month to go until the entry deadline for FilmG, a talented roster from across the Scottish media sector have been running workshops across the country to support aspiring filmmakers to create their own Gaelic short films.
Since this year’s competition kicked off in September, workshops have taken place in Inverness, Lewis, Gairloch, Ullapool, Oban, Dingwall, Dunoon, Aberdeen and Skye, with dozens more planned across Scotland in the coming month.
During the two-day workshops, tutors have been working on the intricacies of good storytelling and technical work, as well as the importance of effective editing to bring the young creatives’ stories to life.
FilmG aims to discover, support and develop the future Gaelic stars of the media industry in Scotland, by utilising the existing talent – both in front of and behind the camera – to impart some of their knowledge to the next generation.
In Gairloch, this year’s workshops kicked off at Gairloch High School, where students created two films, one depicting how their village has changed over the years and the other a drama about premonitions of the future, with support from BBC ALBA filmmaker Dòl Eòin MacKinnon and FilmG’s Megan Dale.
In Skye, pupils at Portree High School were tutored by Bannan actor Alistair MacKay, BBC ALBA director Fiann MacLeod and FilmG’s own Murdo MacSween and Megan Dale, creating three separate films.
BBC ALBA Filmmaker Fiann MacLeod was returning to his old high school, the very place where he’d picked up a passion for filmmaking.
Oban High School students worked with Bannan actor Iain Beggs and FilmG’s own Megan Dale.
In Ullapool, BBC ALBA filmmaker Dòl Eòin MacKinnon workshopped two different films with the pupils from Ullapool Primary School.
In Stornoway, award-winning BBC ALBA filmmaker David Martin and local videographer Ruaraidh Urpeth took charge of workshops as pupils as created two raucous films. One saw the children stealing yellow items from around the school, while the other hosted their very own version of Britain’s Got Talent.
The FilmG team were delighted to hear that a third group were working on a film independently, working to highlight the good work of a local charity.
In Inverness, Millburn Academy pupils worked with Bannan actor Alistair MacKay to deliver two films across four days of tutoring.
In Dingwall, pupils at Dingwall Primary School worked with FilmG’s Megan Dale on a film about a boy who joins a school with no Gaelic and then magically develops the ability to speak the language after growing a plant using magic seeds.
In Oban, Oban High School students worked with Bannan actor Iain Beggs and FilmG’s own Megan Dale with a Halloween-inspired film all about a cult obsessed with the colour yellow.
In Dunoon, BBC ALBA actor Daibhidh Walker and FilmG’s Megan Dale worked with World School of the Year, Dunoon Grammar School, to create two dramatic films – one inspired by the film ‘Happy Gilmore’ and the other filmed in Dunoon’s very own police station!
In Bishopbriggs, BBC ALBA filmmakers Dòl Eòin MacKinnon and Fiann MacLeod tutored two separate groups at Bishopbriggs Academy.
In Glasgow, Bannan actors Dòl Eòin MacKinnon and Daibhidh Walker worked together to help the pupils script and film their own idea.
In Stirling, BBC ALBA filmmaker Fiann MacLeod visited Wallace High School and worked with eight S1 pupils to bring about their fictional idea.
In Aberdeen, local BBC ALBA media company Midas Media visited Hazlehead Academy, with filmmakers Pat MacLeod and Ross Young helping to bring together the school’s entry.
In East Kilbride, BBC ALBA actor Daibhidh Walker worked with a group of seven pupils at Calderglen High School. Their film used this year’s theme of yellow in an imaginative way through storytelling.
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The next few weeks are set to be just as busy for the FilmG tutor team, with workshops taking place across Argyll and the Islands, throughout the central belt and across the Highlands, too.
Workshops will be running right up until the deadline of the 9 th December 2022; the rules are all published on the FilmG website, but it is simple – create a Gaelic film, keep the duration under five minutes and get it in before the deadline.
FilmG Project Manager Murdo MacSween said: “FilmG fever is really taking hold with entrants working all across Scotland to deliver films.
“We’re still receiving requests to support even more entries and, even with less than a month to go, we’d love to hear from any other schools, groups or independent filmmakers who want to have a go!”
The FilmG competition is aimed at both those under 18 (Youth) and those over 18 (Open), with 17 distinct categories in total, and this year filmmakers will be celebrated for their originality, creativity and for taking initiative.
There are new and revamped categories this year, including the new Rising Star (Youth) and Industry (Open) awards, aimed at finding the next big thing in media, and there are the Production Design (Youth) and Creativity (Open) awards which could reward those who make films that follow the theme of Yellow (Buidhe).
The rules are published on the FilmG website, but it is simple – create a Gaelic film, keep the duration under five minutes and get it in before the deadline (9th December 2022).
To see the complete list of categories and to enter FilmG, visit www.filmg.co.uk or contact the team at Astar Media via filmg@astarmedia.scot.
A new two-part BBC ALBA documentary delves into what life was like for the children of ministers from the Western Isles – from the 1960s to the present day.
As a part of the award-winning Trusadh series, Cathy MacDonald presents Trusadh: Children of the Manse – a warm and moving glimpse of the experiences of the sons and daughters of the manse, who also consider how their upbringing has informed their worldview.
The two-part documentary largely focuses on clergymen who served in churches in the Outer Hebrides and features archive footage from the 1960s and 70s, alongside interviews with their children, some of whom have continued to practise the Christian faith.
For some, like Donald John MacAulay, being a son of the manse was a heavy burden at times. Despite a rebellious youth, Donald John describes how his faith has strengthened over the years.
Some felt stifled, under constant surveillance and in the spotlight. Others profess to feeling they were ‘escaping’ to university.
For others, like Reverend Iver Martin, they have turned to God and become men of the manse themselves. Following in the footsteps of his father, Reverend Murdo Martin of Lewis and latterly Inverness, Iver is now minister, moderator and principal of the Edinburgh Theological Seminary.
Cathy also chats with Jessie Mary Little, daughter of Reverend Angus Smith, the well-known minister who protested against Sunday sailings in Skye in 1965.
Rachel MacPherson, daughter of Reverend Donald MacRae, shares warm-hearted stories about her father and others tell of the camaraderie of communion season, creating a portrait of the communities in which they grew up.
Everything they learned growing up in the manse, shaped the minds of these youngsters and made them the people they are today.
In episode two, we hear from children of the manse from more recent times.
Cathy speaks to a younger generation, who share memories of the upbringing they had, the interesting people they met and the values they have been taught from a young age and how that has influenced their lives.
Among those who Cathy meets up with are Gilleasbuig Ferguson, who was brought up in a busy manse, where people from all walks of life were warmly welcomed and shown hospitality, Kirsteen Murray, who pursued a career in music and Rachel Kate Macleod, an artist, who created an exhibition about the culture she was brought up in.
Part one of Trusadh: Children of the Manse airs on BBC ALBA on Monday 14 November at 9pm, with part two on the channel on Monday 21 November at 9pm.
Both episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days after broadcast.
The winner of Gaelic micro-film competition ‘10 Seconds of Yellow’ has been announced as part of the FilmG short film festival of events.
Euan MacDonald, 21, from Edinburgh, secured himself the prize of a 360 camera worth £400 with his ten-second film, centred around this year’s competition theme – ‘buidhe’ (yellow).
The winning film was chosen by Gaelic TV personality Phil MacHugh, co-star of new BBC Scotland series ‘Scottish Fling’ in which he and actor Martin Compston undertake a grand tour of Scotland.
MacHugh joined the FilmG team for an afternoon at the Royal National Mòd in Perth to adjudicate the mini-competition and announce the winner.
FilmG Project Manager Murdo MacSween said: “FilmG is all about creativity and we definitely saw that shine through with every entry for this year’s 10 seconds of Yellow competition.
“Euan won with his striking entry and we can’t wait to see how he might use his new 360 camera to make a creative short film for the FilmG competition itself.”
FilmG – the Gaelic short film competition first established in 2008 – launched its annual competition in September, with the aim of finding, supporting and developing the future Gaelic stars of the media industry in Scotland.
The FilmG competition is aimed at both those under 18 (Youth) and those over 18 (Open), with 17 distinct categories in total, and this year filmmakers will be celebrated for their originality, creativity and for taking initiative.
There are new and revamped categories this year, including the new Rising Star (Youth) and Industry (Open) awards, aimed at finding the next big thing in media, and there are the Production Design (Youth) and Creativity (Open) awards which could reward those who make films that follow the theme of Yellow (Buidhe).
The rules are published on the FilmG website, but it is simple – create a Gaelic film, keep the duration under five minutes, and get it in before the deadline (9th December 2022).
To see the complete list of categories and to enter FilmG, visit www.filmg.co.uk or contact the team at Astar Media via filmg@astarmedia.scot.
BBC ALBA took home three hotly contested trophies at last night’s Royal Television Society Scotland awards ceremony in Glasgow.
Taking home the Documentary and Specialist Factual: Arts award was the poignant documentary Ceòl is Cràdh, produced by Sgeul Media. Presented by singer Mischa Macpherson, the award-winning programme openly and honestly explores struggles with mental health in the music industry.
Judges were unanimous in their decision to award the Children’s Programme trophy to heart-warming short children’s drama Cùm Sùil Orm. The film, produced by Isle of Lewis based indie Corran Media, was written by Will Murray – who was also nominated in the best writer category – and starred an incredibly talented group of island children.
In the Live Event category, Na Trads from BEEZR Studios came up on top for its high-quality coverage of the finest traditional music in Scotland. The event was produced during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic in partnership with Hands Up For Trad and was presented by Mary Ann Kennedy and Alistair Heather.
Margaret Cameron, Director of Content at MG ALBA said:
“We are extremely delighted to see 3 BBC ALBA programmes from across a range of genres take home awards at this year’s RTS Scotland awards.
A huge congratulations to the teams behind the award-winning productions which shone through in highly competitive categories. These wins highlight the exceptional skill, talent and creativity across Gaelic media and we’re so proud of all nominees and award winners.”
Mischa Macpherson, Singer and Presenter of winning documentary Ceòl is Cràdh said:
“There was an important story to be told in Ceòl is Cràdh and I’m delighted that the team’s hard work has been celebrated by the RTS judges. It was a privilege to speak so openly and honestly with some of Scotland’s most talented musicians and I’m thankful that their stories have been shared and recognised.”
John Murdo MacAulay, Director of children’s drama Cùm Sùil Orm said:
“I’m honoured that our film has been recognised with such a prestigious award against such tough competition. I’m so grateful to the BFI Young Audiences Content Fund and the Eurovision Broadcasting Union for making this happen, to all the creative talent involved – and, of course, to the children and their families who took part.”
Alasdair MacCuish who picked up the Live Event award for Na Trads said:
“Live music brings people together and it’s a huge honour to bring our Scottish traditional music and culture to screens throughout the country through Na Trads. A huge thanks goes to all of the talented individuals who make the production a success, to the incredible musicians who are the real stars of the show, to Simon Thoumire and our friends at Hands Up For Trad, and to the RTS judges who recognised the unique warmth and cultural importance of this special event.”
BBC ALBA has received 6 nominations in this year’s RTS Scotland awards which recognise and celebrate the best talent, skills and creativity across TV production in Scotland. They are considered the gold standard for excellence across the television industry.
Nominations were received across five categories – Entertainment and Features; Documentary and Specialist Factual: Arts; Children’s; Writer; and Live Music – highlighting the high quality of BBC ALBA content across a range of genres.
In the Children’s category, two of the three programmes shortlisted were commissioned by the channel, demonstrating the high standard of Gaelic content available for children.
Margaret Cameron, Director of Content for MG ALBA said:
“It’s testament to the consistent high quality of programming created by BBC ALBA producers that six entries spanning a range of different genres were nominated for RTS Scotland Awards this year.
“It’s particularly encouraging to see two nominations from BBC ALBA in the Children’s category. This is a reflection of the excellent standard of Gaelic scripted children’s content we have on the channel and the result of collaborations with the EBU and the BFI Young Audience Content Fund. Our congratulations to all of the RTS Scotland 2022 nominees, we look forward to finding out the outcome in the coming weeks.”
The full list of BBC ALBA nominations are:
A full list of nominations can be found here.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony hosted by Des Clarke, Shereen Cutkelvin and Lawrence Chaney on 30th October at the Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow.
BBC ALBA unveils a packed autumn schedule of new programmes today (22 September) with stories which share fresh perspectives on Scotland and beyond.
The channel will screen an array of fascinating documentaries, a host of stunning music programming and weekly sport, offering insights into lives and passions in Scotland today.
Trusadh, BBC ALBA’s award-winning documentary strand, clicks into the autumn by shining a light on video games in Trusadh: Gaming – The Next Level. Avid gamer MJ Deans takes a tour of consoles from the 70s to the present day. From Pong to Pac-man, MJ revisits some of the old classics while finding out about Scotland’s contribution to the industry.
Compelling personal stories lie at the heart of many of BBC ALBA’s factual programmes.
In Fàilte gu Alba / Welcome to Scotland, singer and musician Mischa Macdelves deeper into Glasgow’s reputation for offering a warm, friendly reception to refugees and asylum seekers. Mischa meets people creating new lives for themselves in the city and, through music, she learns their stories and hears of the importance of music to them.
Award-winning current affairs programme Eòrpa also returns in October with an hour-long special meeting Ukrainian refugees in both Scotland and Moldova, as well as exploring the impact of the ongoing conflict on their lives.
Closer to home, St Cuthbert’s Way we join presenter Iagan MacNeil as he dons his hiking boots and follows in the footsteps of the 7th century hermit, healer and bishop, St Cuthbert on a fascinating and iconic 62-mile-long pilgrims’ route which straddles the border between Scotland and England.
A host of entertaining series also feature in BBC ALBA’s schedule this autumn, with craft and design, outdoor adventure and cookery all served up.
Dàna | Scotland’s Wild Side accompanies Coinneach Rankin as he continues his exciting escapades, often involving dangling from a scarily steep rock face or trudging through bogs, mist and midges. Adventure and awe are guaranteed!
Fillte goes on a journey across Scotland to discover the history and contemporary hand-crafted practice underpinning the work of artisan producers of stunning woven fabrics.
And, back home in the kitchen, Gregor Macleod’s Fuine bakes mouth-watering sweet and savoury treats and seeks inspiration in the company of talented home bakers.
Music is a centrepiece in BBC ALBA’s schedule and a real treat lies in store with Skye electronic band Niteworks. A pacey documentary shares the band’s story in a post-lockdown world as they work with producer Andrea Gobbi to bring their new album to fruition. Their mesmerising Celtic Connections performance, with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (BBC SSO) will also be showcased.
More Celtic Connections festival specials include Capercaillie and Sian, the former accompanied by the BBC SSO.
BBC ALBA will also be providing coverage of trad music calendar staples such as the Na Worlds, the Royal National Mòd and the semi-finals of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Awards, with the final being broadcast early in 2023.
BBC ALBA’s sport offering strides into the new season with regular live coverage of the SWPL, the women’s national team World Cup qualifying games and continuing deferred coverage of the Scottish Premiership.
On October 6, BBC ALBA will provide live coverage as Scotland’s women look to boost their World Cup qualifying campaign with a play-off win against Austria.
Women’s Sport 360, the weekly action packed magazine show presented by Iona Ballantyne, gets to the heart of incredible and empowering Scottish sport stories.
Fabulous treats lie in store for younger viewers with two new fun-filled series: Pròiseact Plòigh and Triùir aig Trì.
In Pròiseact Plòigh, science and comedy collide under the watchful eyes of Professor Olive and Dr Moiteal. Kids from around the country challenge the experts to explain how and why things do what they do.
And finally a brand new drama series, Triùir aig Trì, delves into the haphazard world of Number 3 – an island hotel that hosts the capers of sisters Della and Lou, and their new friend Marco.
Reflecting on the autumn schedule, BBC ALBA Head of Gaelic Services &, Margaret Mary Murray, said: “We are delighted to share what we feel is an incredibly diverse and fresh offering of original programming to viewers this autumn.
“From our documentaries to our children’s content and all the wonderful stories in between, BBC ALBA is bringing new perspectives from Scotland and beyond to our screens.
“There is something for everyone and we hope people can join us and enjoy ALBA this Autumn.”
The full range of programmes is available in the BBC ALBA digital autumn schedule and can be viewed on BBC iPlayer in Scotland and across the UK.
Cast and crew of a gripping new six-part Gaelic language-drama series, An Clò Mòr (The Great Cloth) have returned to the Western Isles for their final block of filming, bringing a wealth of new talent, jobs, and training opportunities to the Islands.
With support from MG ALBA, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Screen Scotland, six budding media professionals have been given the opportunity to work on the production alongside stalwarts of the Scottish media sector on a six-month training scheme.
An Clò Mòr, produced by Solus Productions for BBC ALBA, and funded by MG ALBA and Screen Scotland, represents a significant milestone in the creation of high-quality scripted content for Gaelic audiences.
The colourful tale of passion, rivalry and intrigue among a Hebridean textile industry is being filmed on stunning locations across the Western Isles and in Studio Alba, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s television studio space in Stornoway.
As well as working on An Clò Mòr, the trainees work with other local and Central Belt media companies on a range of productions, developing new skills and experience in areas which will be beneficial in their chosen careers such as production, costume, script, locations and sound.
Margaret Cameron, Director of Content Additionality at, MG ALBA, said:
“MG ALBA, alongside Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Screen Scotland, are proud to be supporting hands-on training opportunities for young people who are looking to gain experience in the dynamic Gaelic media sector. It’s encouraging to see new talent emerging both on-screen and behind the camera and I for one can’t wait to see the results of this next move for BBC ALBA into stellar scripted drama.”
Cllr. Donald Crichton, Chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Sustainable Development Committee welcomes the new production and the opportunities it brings to the region:
“This is a truly unique opportunity for young people to learn new skills and experience from the very best in the business. Being able to work from our fantastic multi-purpose space at Studio Alba, as well as alongside local production companies, provides opportunities for our young islanders to hone their skills and talents without needing to leave the Highlands and Islands.”
Steven Little, Head of Production at Screen Scotland said:
“Developing the crew base is essential to the rapid growth of our screen industry as we continue to deliver training and production support right across Scotland. Collaborating with our colleagues at MG ALBA and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, alongside Solus Productions made it possible to deliver a valuable production and training programme to the local community.”
Tony Kearney, Director and Producer at Solus Productions said:
“The Western Isles is famed for its beautiful, striking – and often dramatic – scenery, making it the ideal backdrop for a gripping drama like An Clò Mòr. It’s a pleasure to be working alongside an exceptionally talented crew from both near and far, and we’re delighted to provide an opportunity for the next generation of Gaelic media professionals. We can’t wait for audiences to see the fruits of our labour – watch this space!”
The 15th iteration of FilmG, the Gaelic short film festival, launched today (1st September) with aims to find the future stars of the media industry in Scotland.
Theme launch events were held in Glasgow and Inverness, with the FilmG team displaying their vibrant Buidhe (Yellow) theme to potential entrants.
FilmG Project Manager Murdo MacSween said: “FilmG is now live, and we are looking for films that are yellow in any way possible, apart from using that Coldplay song, that is banned!
“We’re hoping to see the best-ever FilmG this year and we’re excited about the fantastic ideas we heard about this week at our launch events.”
Young Gaelic creatives, social media content creators and past FilmG entrants gathered at Basta Pizza in Partick on Tuesday night for a collaboration event, a key aim of this year’s FilmG festival – to join the dots between the collection of skills, talent, and ideas.
Attending the event was Lana Pheutan, a writer/actress, BBC continuity presenter and former winner of FilmG: “It was great to come together and chat with folk who had taken part in FilmG over the years, but also to meet those who were considering it for the first time.
“I’m really looking forward to being a tutor again to help the next generation of young filmmakers as FilmG was so instrumental to me on my own journey.”
Pupils at Inverness Royal Academy then participated in their own collaboration event, engaging with the new FilmG theme and sharing their ideas and inspirations as they planned their film entries.
As part of the FilmG festival, school workshops will take place across Scotland. Further collaboration events are being planned in different areas, all feeding into the FilmG competition and its awards ceremony in February.
The FilmG competition is aimed at both those under 18 (Youth) and those over 18 (Open), with 17 distinct categories in total, and this year filmmakers will be celebrated for their originality, their creativity and for taking their own initiative.
There are new and revamped categories this year, including the new Rising Star (Youth) and Industry (Open) awards, aimed at finding the next big thing in media, and there are the Production Design (Youth) and Creativity (Open) awards which could reward those who make films that follow the theme of Yellow (Buidhe).
The Yellow theme is a nod to the traditional eye-catching branding of FilmG, and this year filmmakers are asked to try and create films that incorporate yellow creatively.
The rules are all published on the FilmG website, but it is simple – create a Gaelic film, keep the duration under five minutes, and get it in before the deadline (9th December 2022).
MG ALBA’s Director of Strategy and External Affairs, Ealasaid MacDonald, said: “The launch of FilmG is always a highlight for MG ALBA, but it is a little bit special this year as we celebrate 15 years of the competition.
“It has evolved over the years to take account of the changes in the fast-paced media environment and we are all looking forward to seeing what imaginative and exciting content the theme Buidhe will inspire.”
To see the complete list of categories and to enter FilmG, visit www.filmg.co.uk or contact the team at Astar Media via filmg@astarmedia.scot.
