Warrior, poet, holy man: the revealing life story of one of Ireland and Scotland’s most important saints is told in a new documentary celebrating 1500 years since the birth of Calum Cille: An Naomh Dàna | Columba: The Bold Saint
Broadcasting simultaneously on BBC ALBA and TG4 on December 7th to celebrate the 1500th anniversary of the Irish and Scottish saint’s birth, this documentary echoes his very own pilgrimage taken all those years ago.
Though known by many as the Dove of Peace, he was at the centre of bloody battles, before founding a monastery on Iona, laying the foundations for the island to become a beacon of civilization in the Early Middle Ages – he’s even said to have taken on the Loch Ness Monster!
Viewers will journey from Donegal to Iona, uncovering the truths behind the myths surrounding the troublemaker, copyright infringer, warrior and exile, who came to be one of the most revered individuals in Scottish and Irish history, as well as gaining international renown over the centuries.
Dramatic reconstruction is interwoven with expert accounts as we rediscover the achievements of this most uncompromising of saints.
Calum Cille – An Naomh Dàna is produced by Abú Media and MacTV with funding from Northern Ireland’s Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, TG4 and MG ALBA.
The documentary will air simultaneously on Tuesday 7 December at 9.30pm on BBC ALBA and TG4, and will be available on the BBC iPlayer within the UK for up to 30 days after broadcast.
In Calum Cille: An Naomh Dàna we hear from Dr Duncan Sneddon, from the University of Edinburgh.
On St Columba’s legacy, Dr Sneddon said: “There’s a difference between Columba the man who lived on Earth and the historical figure who was recreated in the generations after his death – and they all create their own Columba. But they all tell us something important. They all put together a Columba who was powerful, brave and important in different ways.”
Dr Niamh Wycherley, Dept of Early Irish, Maynooth University, says in the programme: “Arguably Colmcille’s most important and lasting legacy is the great swathe of ecclesiastical foundations that he established across Ireland and parts of western, now, Scotland. Iona of course was his primary foundation, the one he’s most rightly famous for. However he also founded other major ecclesiastical institutions – Kells and Durrow. These primary foundations of Colmcille produced some of our most precious and famous historical artefacts – the Book of Kells, The Book of Durrow, early collections of the Irish Annals. These are incredibly important texts in their own right, but also physical objects.”
Margaret Cameron Commissioning Editor & Head of Creative Collaborations BBC ALBA said: “This programme was a very natural fit for co-production and we’re delighted to see this production and broadcast collaboration result in high quality content for the BBC ALBA audience. Cultural ties between Ireland and Scotland have always been strong and BBC ALBA wanted to commission this documentary to mark 1500 years since the birth of Calum Cille and to reflect on our linguistic and cultural bonds in a very creative way.”
Alan Esslemont Director General of TG4 said “Addressing the Scottish Parliament in 2016, President Michael D. Higgins reflected on the relationship between Ireland and Scotland, “given our shared and complex history, it has often been difficult to say where the Irish ends and where what is Scottish begins. Or the other way round.” Colm Cille, warrior-cleric-politician, was in the vanguard of what was consciously the Irish colonisation and plantation of Scotland, spreading Irish Christianity throughout Scotland and using the names for Ireland, Éire, Fódhla, Banbha, Ealg to symbolically stake out Irish ownership of key places in Scotland, Strathearn (the Valley of Ireland), Glenelg (the Glen of Ireland) Atholl (New Ireland), Banff (Ireland) and Elgin (Little Ireland). I am delighted, to mark the 1500th anniversary of his birth, that TG4 and our Scottish sister channel, BBC ALBA, are bringing a fresh and compelling documentary to screens in both of our countries on the life of this most obstinate, avant-gardist, bold and influential Gael who permanently changed both Ireland and Scotland.”
Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund Áine Walsh said “Colmcille is recognised as an Irish saint and a Scottish saint and has left his mark on the folklore and landscape of both countries and as a result the Irish Language Broadcast Fund was delighted that this project came before us and to commemorate 1500 years after the saint’s birth. Not only did it provide an opportunity to explore the life of the bold saint, but it also provided another opportunity to strengthen the links between Ireland and Scotland on a significant programme which will be broadcast on TG4 and BBC ALBA. Partnerships like this are very important in our efforts to deliver engaging and high-quality content, and this programme certainly meets that criterion.”
MG ALBA has again been awarded gold accreditation in recognition of its’s work with young people in Gaelic media.
The Investors in Young People gold accreditation asserts that MG ALBA creates opportunities for young people and fosters a nurturing environment, as shown by the roles young people take in all aspects of the organisation’s work.
An assessor met with staff working across the organisation, including the summer placement interns, to confirm MG ALBA’s status as gold accredited for a second three-year spell – the highest award possible.
Online Learning Associate, Rona Morrison, 22, is one of the youngest full-time members of staff at MG ALBA, working primarily on the landmark new project SpeakGaelic.
Rona said “It’s brilliant to be working with other young people on such an interesting project, and something so significant for the future of Gaelic learning. I know as well that mine and my peers ideas and comments are always welcomed and valued in the team.”
Across the MG ALBA brands, it’s evident that young people are making the most of the opportunities to gain new skills, and develop their existing ones.
Ealasaid MacDonald, MG ALBA’s Director of Strategy and External Affairs said: “We are delighted that MG ALBA is recognised as a company that values young people and the important role they have in shaping the work we do.
“Serving young people is at the heart of our Lèirsinn: A Route Map for Gaelic Media, published last week, which outlines our vision for the future of Gaelic Media.
“We will continue to work with younger people to ensure they have the opportunities to be part of delivering an exciting and vibrant Gaelic media service.”
MG ALBA was the first Gaelic organisation to be awarded the Investors in Young People gold standard and is also an accredited Investors in People organisation.
Investors in Young People is a quality framework designed to help employers meet their business goals by harnessing the creativity and skills of young people and is managed by Investors in People Scotland.
Find out more about Investors in Young People here.
Levelling up in both statute and finance and planning for a positive digital future for Gaelic, these are the key messages in MG ALBA’s ambitious vision for the future of Gaelic media.
Lèirsinn: A Route Map for Gaelic Media, which has been published today, outlines a future where Gaelic media is at the heart of Gaelic communities; generating growth in language capability; a key economic driver; and ensuring our young people have a digital domain which will be crucial to ensure the future of our language.
At the core of this progressive vision is a statement of intent that prioritises Gaelic media audiences. Containing wide-ranging targets which have young people as a focus, it is evident that Gaelic media in the digital world is an essential element in addressing the positioning of Gaelic in modern society.
Beyond the audience benefits, it is a bold vision for Gaelic media which demonstrates the significant opportunities which could be realised for our communities, language, and economy.
Leading this vision, MG ALBA celebrates the community, partnerships and industry delivery which are fundamental to Gaelic media but highlights the important areas which are preventing Gaelic media from delivering on what its potential promises.
MG ALBA Chair Allan MacDonald said: “Our new Lèirsinn is a wake-up call for all our stakeholders and partners to come together and provide the basis for the Gaelic public service media of the future.
“This vision outlines an opportunity that cannot be allowed to pass for our culture and our economy. There is a real risk that failing to establish Gaelic media in the digital world will have repercussions for our language and our communities.”
MG ALBA Chief Executive Donald Campell said: “Ofcom has been warning broadcasters that they need to speed up their transformation for the digital age. Amongst other things, Gaelic media urgently need to address the needs of younger audiences with news and media content that is simply not possible within current resources.
“This Lèirsinn is a Route Map for doing just that. It is an investment proposition that sets out how Gaelic media can connect with all audience segments and be a catalyst for growth in language, in our communities and our economies. It demonstrates what Gaelic media could deliver if it is given the right tools.”
MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards opens Public Vote for Shortlisted Nominees, and returns to Glasgow, live & on screens, for 2021
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 will be live at Glasgow’s Engine Works, and on BBC ALBA at 9.00pm on December 4th, 2021.
To vote for your favourite nominee, & all the latest news visit www.scotstradmusicawards.com
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “For many people, music is the heart and soul of their daily lives. During lockdown we lost not only concert-hall performances but also face-to-face lessons, fireside sessions, and community get-togethers.
“This year’s MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards ceremony is therefore a perfectly timed opportunity to celebrate both the return of our live music scene and the wonders that artists delivered online to keep the spirit of Na Trads alive during the darkest of days.
“Scotland’s traditional music continues to thrive because our heritage, which draws from rich indigenous languages, is passed on from generation to generation.
“That’s why Creative Scotland is particularly proud to sponsor the Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language Award and, through the Youth Music Initiative, the Music Tutor of the Year Award.
“We’re also delighted to support Hands Up For Trad and the vital work it does year-round.”
Featuring live performances from Ímar, Dàimh, Hannah Rarity, The Canny Band and more to come, the highly regarded annual Awards give recognition to excellence within Scotland’s thriving traditional musical culture.
With live music and event restrictions in place since lockdown began, Hands Up for Trad has been working hard since March 2020 to support artists and provide alternative platforms for musicians to reach their audiences, fundraise and sell tickets online, and following a successful Scots Language Awards in Dundee on September 25th, 2021, the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in December marks their second live event since restrictions began, and a renewed partnership with MG ALBA to broadcast the Awards live.
Margaret Cameron, Commissioning Editor and Head of Creative Collaborations at MG ALBA said: “MG ALBA are proud to once again sponsor the Scots Trad Music Awards – we understand how important the traditional music scene is across Scotland, and in particular amongst our Gaelic communities.
“Being able to bring community moments such as the Trads to BBC ALBA at this special time of year for our audiences is a pleasure. It also recognizes these stellar artists and the ingenuity and resilience of the traditional music community after the challenges of the last 18 months.”
Encompassing all aspects of making and playing music 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, including the prestigious Gaelic Singer of the Year, and Musician of the Year, Awards.
Anna-Wendy Stevenson, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader BA (Hons) Applied Music confirmed: “As the music industry re-groups and adapts after the disruption of the pandemic it is crucial that we celebrate and showcase the incredible talent that drives the music industry and connects communities in a myriad of ways.
“The University of the Highlands and Islands is delighted to continue to sponsor the Musician of the Year Award and recognise the importance of the MG ALBA Scots Traditional Music Awards, in bringing together organisations across music in Scotland to support the development of and recognise the work and talent of our musicians.”
Duncan Byatt, President of the Highland Society of London, added: “Gaelic singing has been at the forefront of the recent surge of interest in learning and using Gaelic, and the Highland Society of London is delighted to sponsor the award for Gaelic Singer of the Year once again at the Trads.
“Our congratulations to each of the four nominees and to all who participate in this medium.”
This year the annual Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame is sponsored by Fèisean nan Gàidheal and will be a special feature within the main Awards.
Arthur Cormack, Chief Executive of Fèisean nan Gàidheal, said: “Fèisean nan Gàidheal believes in recognising the significant contribution to our culture of some of our most celebrated performers and we are delighted to once again support the Traditional Music Hall of Fame.
“The main focus of our work is supporting community Fèisean to pass on aspects of Gaelic culture and traditional music to young people. Gaelic and Scots culture relies on oral transmission, learning from the carriers of our songs, tunes, dances and stories.
“Over the past 18 months traditional musicians and singers have brought pleasure to people as never before so our thanks go to this year’s inductees with congratulations to them and their families.”
Within the Awards and the programme, three further pillars of the Scots Trad Music community will be recognised through special awards; the ‘Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language Award sponsored by Creative Scotland’, the ‘Services to Gaelic Award sponsored by Bòrd na Gàidhlig’, and the ‘Hamish Henderson Award for Services to Traditional Music’.
Stuart Fleming, Senior Relationship Manger for Scotland and Northern Ireland, PRS for Music, said: “PRS for Music is proud to once again be supporting the Original Work of the Year category at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.
“It is great to see these important awards returning to champion all the gifted, homegrown, creative writers within the traditional Scottish music scene.
“The pandemic has been challenging for us all, yet those shortlisted have continued to produce inspiring work.
“Our warmest congratulations to all of this year’s talented nominees, and we look forward to celebrating with you in person this December.”
Organising body, Hands Up for Trad funded by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, was formed in 2002 and exists to increase the profile and visibility of Scottish traditional music through information, advocacy and education to artists, participants and audiences.
Hands Up for Trad’s Creative Director Simon Thoumire said: “Since lockdown it’s been a huge team effort to process the change needed, to provide musicians and crews with support due to cancelled gigs, and provide audiences with much needed entertainment and culture, so I am thankful and delighted with everyone who’s nominated and cannot wait to see live performances again this year, and work with MG ALBA to bring the atmosphere and the Trad Awards into living rooms.”
Please note, due to Covid-19 restrictions, only sponsors and nominees can attend this year’s Awards in person.
Public nominations ran from October 4th to 17th for the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards annual event organised by Hands Up for Trad, and the 2021 Nominees for Public Vote are:
Original Work of the Year sponsored by PRS for Music
1. Calum MacPhail – 7 Years Old
2. Fatma’s Waltz – Adam Sutherland
3. Dùsgadh – Breabach
4. The Driftwood Project – Jack Badcock
5. Wild Edges – Inge Thomson
Community Project of the Year sponsored by Greentrax Recordings
1. Cabraich Community Arts, Stornoway: Online Skills and Ceilidh
2. Dee and Don Ceilidh Collective’s ‘Our Rivers and Glens’ project
3. Riddell Fiddles’ Two Towns Housing Estate Youth Musical Outreach Programme
4. Stonehaven Folk Club Folk in Crisis Concerts
Event of the Year sponsored by VisitScotland
1. Capers in Cannich
2. Celtic Connections
3. Eden Court Under Canvas
4. In The Tradition – Edinburgh International Festival Traditional Music Programme 2021
5. NAAFC Festival
Gaelic Singer of the Year sponsored by The Highland Society of London
1. Ainslie Hamill
2. Iain ‘Costello’ Maciver
3. Kim Carnie
4. Mairi Macmillan
Musician of the Year sponsored by The University of the Highlands and Islands
1. Ali Levack
2. Findlay Napier
3. Ingrid Henderson
4. Iona Fyfe
5. Mhairi Hall
Online Performance of 2021 sponsored by Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust
1. Alec Dalglish Live Streams
2. An Tobar Summer Sessions
3. Làn-Dùil Online Festival
4. Norrie “Tago” MacIver Live Streams
5. Ron Jappy Vincular Album Launch
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year sponsored by Traditional Music and Song Association
1. Beth Malcolm
2. Calum McIlroy
3. Cameron Nixon
4. Ellie Beaton
Trad Video of the Year sponsored by Threads of Sound
1. Adahs Way – Ali Levack
2. Doddies Dream – Bruce MacGregor
3. Summer – Lewis McLaughlin
4. Mairead nan Cuiread – Mhairi Macmillan
5. Pretty Girl – Lapwyng (Valtos Remix)
Trad Music in the Media sponsored by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
1. Ceòl is Cràdh’ (BBC ALBA)
2. Tartan Tunes
3. Taynuilt Ceilidh’s
4. The 22nd Annual Pipes of Christmas – 2020 / The Clan Currie Society / The Learned Kindred of Currie
Up and Coming Artist of the Year sponsored by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
1. Arthur Coates
2. John Dew
3. Madderam
4. The Canny Band
Music Tutor of the Year Award sponsored by Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative
1. Imogen Bose Ward, Fiddle
3. Isla Ratcliff, Scots Music Group
4. Michael Bryan, Guitar
5. Craig Muirhead, Director of Piping and Drumming at Strathallan School
Album of the Year sponsored by Birnam CD
1. And Den Dey Made Tae by Ross & Ryan Couper
2. Cairdeas by Brian Ó hEadhra & Fionnag NicChonnich
3. Gaol by Rachel Walker
4. Livewire by Mec Lir
5. MAIM by Whyte
6. Milestone by Duncan Lyall
7. Orkney Monster by The Chair
8. Still Time by Karen Matheson
9. The Light of The Moon by Gnoss
10. Where the World Is Thin by Kris Drever
MG ALBA has welcomed the announcement from the BBC that high definition (HD) is coming to BBC ALBA.
Currently, viewers can only enjoy programmes on the channel in standard definition (SD), although some output is available in HD on the BBC iPlayer.
This upgrade to BBC ALBA is part of a process that will see the BBC launch HD versions of BBC One in every region of England, as well as some additional core channels which are currently not HD.
The BBC has detailed that the rollout of HD will be a phased project, but it is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2022.
Welcoming the news, MG ALBA Chief Executive, Donald Campbell, said: “MG ALBA welcomes this commitment to delivering HD for BBC ALBA. We strive to deliver the best for our audiences and being able to watch programmes as they broadcast in HD will make a significant difference to the audience experience. We look forward to working with the BBC to ensure a smooth transition to full HD on BBC ALBA.”
BBC Scotland and BBC ALBA are to expand recent sports coverage collaboration, with BBC Scotland to enable an English language commentary option for BBC ALBA’s coverage of the remaining Scottish women’s national team World Cup qualifiers.
The increased choice for viewers is offered from Friday night’s BBC ALBA coverage of the Scotland game against Hungary at Hampden.
The option will continue across the remainder of the national team’s World Cup qualification campaign games, as well as the upcoming friendly against Sweden, all of which are exclusively available on BBC ALBA.
The move builds on cooperation such as that which saw the Camanachd Cup Final broadcast on BBC ALBA for the first time earlier in the year, with accompanying highlights on BBC Scotland.
Iseabail Mactaggart, Director of Multiplatform Content at MG ALBA, said: “We’re proud of BBC ALBA’s record in showcasing Scottish women’s sport, not least the women’s national football team.
“Our partnership with the BBC enables BBC ALBA to provide a powerful free-to-air platform for growing the profile of women’s sport, and this new step enables us to work with BBC Scotland to offer audiences a commentary choice for the national team games.
“Increased choice, with promotion across BBC Scotland’s portfolio of services, should further raise the profile of these matches.
“It demonstrates too how BBC ALBA and BBC Scotland can work together as free-to-air partners for the benefit of all audiences, women’s sport and sport stakeholders.
“This move will see our viewers welcomed to the usual highly accessible BBC ALBA coverage, including the distinctive half time features, while also enabling audiences to choose their preferred commentary language for the action.
“We see BBC ALBA’s sports coverage as an important door to Gaelic for non-Gaelic users, and that door remains as open as possible.”
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland, said:
“BBC Scotland is committed to showcasing Scottish women’s football and to further building the profile of the game.
“By working closely with our partners at BBC ALBA, we aim to bring in new audiences whilst also deepening the impact of these matches.
“We know how important live sport is to audiences and we will continue to seek innovative ways to showcase live action.”
To access the commentary choice viewers should select as follows:
• Connected TVs (TVs/Receivers connected to the internet): Press Red, a Menu will appear, select ‘Scotland v Hungary (English)’. Viewers can return to Gaelic commentary by pressing Exit or by returning to the BBC ALBA channel.
• Un-connected TVs (TVs/Receivers not connected to the internet): Press Red and select ‘SCO v HUN (English)’. Viewers can return to Gaelic commentary by also pressing Red and selecting ‘SCO v HUN (Gaelic)’ or by exiting and returning to the BBC ALBA channel.
Viewers can also select either commentary by visiting BBC ALBA in BBC iPlayer.
As the COP26 summit convenes in Glasgow, BBC ALBA promises a diverse selection of climate programmes which examine our relationship with the environment.
With the impacts of climate change being felt across the world, from floods in Germany, wildfires in Australia and more locally with ongoing coastal erosion in Uist, the team behind BAFTA-winning current affairs programme Eòrpa return with an hour long extended special edition, Eòrpa: An Deasbad | The Debate, speaking to ordinary people across the world to find out what issues are on their mind regarding the environment, and how progress can begin to be made.
Journalist Anna MacLeod chairs a panel of experts in Eòrpa: An Deasbad | The Debate, to discuss the difficult decisions facing world leaders in an attempt to protect our planet. Amongst them are; Climate expert Professor June Graham, climate activist Babs MacGregor, renewable energy experts Eilidh MacInnes and Angus Mackay and economic guru Kenneth Matheson.
Iona MacRitchie, producer of Eòrpa: An Deasbad said: “With COP26 right on our doorstep in Glasgow, we thought it was vital to bring these huge climate related issues to audience’s attention, with considerable challenges ahead of us in dealing with the situation. The Eòrpa team are very happy to have brought these experts together to discuss subjects that are so relevant to Gaelic speakers in every corner of Scotland, and further afield.”
Climate themed programming continues with BBC ALBA’s Lewis based crofter-in-residence Donald MacSween (An Lot, The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan) asking what he can do in practical terms to make a difference to the environment in Mac ’S Uaine | MacSween goes Green, as he visits various green initiatives and considers what addressing climate change would mean for him personally, financially and culturally.
No matter the outcome of COP26, there’s no denying that it’s the youngest in the population that will feel its impact the most. Uaine | Green, a special new series for CBBC ALBA explores these issues, with presenter Calum MacDonald visiting various locations throughout Scotland – from a hybrid powered ferry on the Isle of Skye to Whitelee wind farm near Glasgow and Foyers hydro station by Loch Ness – to see how they are making a positive impact on climate change.
As politicians get to grips with agreeing targets and policies to address the climate situation, Can We Cool the Planet? asks what science can offer by way of practical solutions. Acquired from American broadcaster PBS, this documentary looks internationally to see how the world’s scientists are working together to fight climate change.
• Eòrpa: An Deasbad | The Debate will be broadcast on 28 October at 9pm
• Uaine | Green (CBBC ALBA) will be broadcast from 12 October at 6.50pm
• Mac ’S Uaine | MacSween goes Green will be broadcast on 2 November at 9pm
• An Gabh An Saoghal Fhuarachadh? | Can we cool the planet? Will be broadcast on 4 November at 10.30pm
All programmes will be available for 30 days after broadcast on the BBC iPlayer.
The approach to learning Gaelic is set to be transformed when a new comprehensive language learning course, SpeakGaelic, launches this Friday, October 15.
This multiplatform learning project is being hailed as a game-changer for Gaelic learning, focusing not only on beginners wishing to learn Gaelic but also those who would like to refresh their skills.
On Friday, October 15, all of the SpeakGaelic content for beginners at level A1 will become available on the SpeakGaelic website, with programmes available simultaneously on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds, YouTube and other major audio streaming services.
Programmes will also have linear transmissions on both BBC ALBA and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal with complementary learning materials on SpeakGaelic’s social media pages.
Face-to-face learning will also be available with local Gaelic classes and tutors adopting SpeakGaelic, catering to those seeking a more structured learning environment with additional media content providing an even more immersive experience.
This approach will mean that new and existing Gaelic learners will experience a truly flexible and adaptable personal experience, allowing individuals to learn Gaelic in whatever way suits them best.
SpeakGaelic programmes will be fronted by two Sabhal Mòr Ostaig graduates: BBC weather presenter, musician and programme contributor Joy Dunlop, and outdoors enthusiast and social media star Calum Maclean.
In the studio, Joy will provide helpful language learning information, with viewers able to join other Gaelic learners on their journeys.
Joy Dunlop, from the village of Connel in Argyll, said: “Learning Gaelic has had a huge impact on my life. It is central to my career, my friendships and most of the passions in my life.
“SpeakGaelic will give many thousands of people access to learning Gaelic – as well as helping those who need a bit more confidence. I am hoping people will embrace the opportunity because you never know where Gaelic may take you!”
Calum Maclean will present SpeakGaelic’s out-and-about features while also fronting additional social media content.
Calum is known to social media regulars for his outdoors content (including his unforgettable ‘midge challenge’), and in BBC ALBA’s Dhan Uisge, he showcases his passion for wild swimming in the seas, lochs and rivers around Scotland.
BBC Radio nan Gàidheal presenter John Urquhart will provide podcast and radio content.
Coinneach Macleod (47) from Glasgow, better known as the ‘Hebridean Baker’ for his videos that share Scottish inspired recipes and stories of island life, has signed up to SpeakGaelic. He was born and brought up in a Gaelic speaking household on the Isle of Lewis.
He said: “When I go home to the island, my family speak to me in Gaelic. I need a bit of confidence to reply to them in Gaelic, so that’s why I’m doing SpeakGaelic.”
Caroline Quinn (31), originally from Trinidad and Tobago but now living in Glasgow, has also signed up to SpeakGaelic because she aspires to speak Gaelic fluently.
Caroline said: “I’m probably the only person from Trinidad and Tobago that has Gaelic! Keeping the Gaelic language alive is important because it helps to maintain the culture and traditions as well.”
Clare Coghill (28), a chef from the Isle of Skye, has also enrolled on the SpeakGaelic course. She hopes to open a Hebridean inspired café in Skye next year, with a strong emphasis on encouraging customers to speak Gaelic together.
She said: “I’d like to combine my love for Gaelic and cooking in my recipes and through social media.”
SpeakGaelic’s music is provided by one of the most lauded acts in the contemporary Scottish music scene, electronic-Celtic fusion band Niteworks from the Isle of Skye.
SpeakGaelic, a partnership between MG ALBA, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the BBC, with funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Scottish Government, offers a comprehensive media approach reflecting the modern digital learning environment.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government has a key role in supporting the launch of SpeakGaelic. This is an initiative which will transform Gaelic learning by creating new opportunities to learn the language. I am confident that SpeakGaelic will attract new people to the language and also increase Gaelic use in communities.
“The Scottish Government would like to commend all those who have been working together as part of this innovative media partnership.”
Iseabail Mactaggart, SpeakGaelic Project Director and Director of Multiplatform Content at MG ALBA, said: “SpeakGaelic is the biggest project ever aimed at helping adults take up – and improve – their Gaelic and will be a game-changer to the current Gaelic learning environment.
“It’s hugely important that we make it as easy as possible to learn Gaelic, so offering this multiplatform approach allows individuals, classes and institutions to choose their preferred route, with complementary content available whenever they need it.”
Shona MacLennan, Chief Executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig is delighted to support this fantastic new resource which will encourage many more people to become part of our Gaelic-speaking community, whether they already have some knowledge or are entirely new to the language.
“SpeakGaelic will contribute significantly to the aim of the National Gaelic Language Plan that Gaelic is used more often, by more people and a wider range of situations.”
SpeakGaelic will initially launch with level A1, aimed at those new to the language, followed by A2 in early 2022.
The project will also expand to attract lapsed or less confident Gaelic speakers, defined on the learning scale as B1 and B2, later in 2022 and 2023.
The investment in monetary and in-kind contribution required to deliver the partnership’s ambition for the project, including the increased scale required for the more advanced levels, is £4m over four years.
Around 75% of that has been sourced or is in the process of being committed from each of the Scottish Government, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, MG ALBA, the BBC and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. The partnership is confident that it will succeed in securing the balance required to deliver the project.
Sign up for more information today at www.speakgaelic.scot or follow the SpeakGaelic social media pages – Instagram, Twitter, Facebook & TikTok.
MG ALBA has today welcomed an important economic and social impact study which has demonstrated the important role of Gaelic media, not just as the deliverer of quality content to audiences, but as an economic driver with the potential to offer real growth in our communities.
The study, carried out by Ekos and supported by HIE, outlines the financial returns of MG ALBA and its supply sector, who serve the BBC ALBA platforms as well as the key brands FilmG, LearnGaelic, & SpeakGaelic. The current economic impact data is very clear, with the sector responsible for 340 jobs, £10.4 million of salaries with a GVA of £17.2 million. This all leads to a return on investment of £1.34 for every £1 spent.
The report also demonstrates the potential impact of a significant investment package, on a similar basis had the original investment in Gaelic media been linked to inflation. This highlights the prospect of a rise in jobs and economic growth opportunities which could be harnessed by the fast-paced media sector.
Welcoming the study MG ALBA Chief Executive Donald Campbell said: “This report outlines the important role Gaelic media has in delivering economic growth, especially jobs, to our communities. If we are to address the issues which are facing Gaelic and the communities we serve, then we must look to investing to deliver the opportunities which can be transformational.
Gaelic media is a part of the sustainable future of our communities, a key tenet in areas such as education, the creative industries, talent development and community engagement. We will shortly publish our vision for the future of Gaelic media, which will address Gaelic media’s potential role as a catalyst for economic growth and community engagement in Gaelic through media.”
The study received support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Joanna Peteranna, Interim Area Manager at HIE’s Innse Gall area team, said: “MG ALBA helps to support local creative businesses through the programmes it commissions while creating and supporting many jobs in the islands. It provides opportunities to enjoy Gaelic media content, benefiting Gaelic speakers and learners in all parts of Scotland and across the world.
We are pleased to support this study, which provides a high-level overview of how MG ALBA supports economic and community development in the region and beyond.”
A Gaelic speaking singer with Scottish and Nigerian roots explores her relationship with Gaelic culture and history in a new documentary on BBC ALBA.
Cass Ezeji, 27, gives a personal insight into her life in Trusadh: Afro-Gàidheil – Afro-Gaels as she tries to find her place in a culture where she has rarely seen herself represented.
She meets other Gaelic speakers of African and Caribbean descent to discuss how they connect to the language and culture while also talking to experts to uncover the Gael’s role in the slave trade.
Cass attended Scotland’s first Gaelic primary school in Glasgow where she, unfortunately, first experienced racism. As a young mixed-race woman, she felt unsure of her place within the Gaelic community and, although she speaks the language fluently, she’s often questioned that part of her identity.
Cass said: “We were totally immersed in Gaelic at school and I don’t think I knew that was going to be the case so I felt a little lost.
“The impression I had when I left school was that I didn’t feel part of the Gaelic world. I didn’t see myself represented in the culture so there was something of a disconnect.”
Cass’ parents are both from Glasgow. Her paternal grandfather was from Nigeria and lived in the west end of Glasgow with her grandmother who was from Newcastle. Cass said: “There weren’t many Black people living in Scotland at that time. They were one of the few Black families in the city.
Cass, who sings in a band called LAPS with her best friend Alicia Matthews, said: “Growing up, I had no experience at all of Nigeria. I was very fortunate because my grandfather on my mother’s side told me a lot about it.
“We had a large globe and he would show me where Nigeria was. There were two ethnicities in Nigeria he knew about – Igbo and Yoruba; My family are Igbo.”
Cass visited Nigeria for the first time two years ago and, although it was a culture shock, it was a very special trip and she felt a strong connection with the place and the people.
In speaking with fellow Gaelic speakers of Afro-Caribbean heritage, Cass examines what it means to be part of the Gaelic community and discovers she is not alone in feeling uncomfortable with the Gaelic word for ‘Black’: dubh. She considers alternative ways to self-identify and tries to reconnect to the language through her passion for music as she sings in Gaelic for the first time.
Cass meets with historical expert Dr David Alston and Glasgow’s first Afro-Caribbean Councillor Graham Campbell to look at the evidence of slavery that can still be found in Glasgow and the Highlands today. She discovers that the first Gaelic dictionary was funded with donations from slave plantations and learns the story of mixed-race girl, Eliza Junor, who came to Cromarty from Demerara in the 1800s with her Highland father at a time when around 10% of the pupils at Inverness Royal Academy were listed as having come from the Caribbean.
She uncovers the historical ties between the Gaels and the slave trade and how Highland families greatly profited from this enterprise, and addresses some difficult questions about racism and slavery as we continue to live with the legacy to this day.
Cass said: “When we consider Scotland and slavery, we rarely hear about the connection with the Gaels.
“It’s vital that we speak about this in our community because we’ve always seen ourselves as the heroes and the victims but not the perpetrators. It’s a painful history but we were part of it. We need to listen and not disbelieve it.”
Trusadh – Afro-Gàidheil -Afro-Gaels airs on BBC ALBA on Monday, October 4 at 9pm and will be available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days.
