MG ALBA (the Gaelic Media Service) has announced the appointment of Rachel MacKenzie to the post of Director of Finance.
This post, which will be based at MG ALBA’s HQ in Stornoway, is integral to the leadership and strategic direction of MG ALBA, providing the finance and business strategy as MG ALBA prepares to launch its vision for the next five years in a period of challenge and opportunity for the media sector.
A native of the Isle of Lewis, Rachel is a chartered accountant with significant experience across both the public and private sector and comes to MG ALBA from her position as Area Manager Innse Gall at Highlands & Islands Enterprise.
Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA, said: “Rachel will be a fantastic addition to the leadership of MG ALBA, and we are absolutely delighted that she is joining us. Rachel’s skills, knowledge, networks, and dedication will be a great asset not just for MG ALBA but for the whole of the Gaelic media sector as we work together to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to welcoming Rachel to our team.”
Excitement builds as the presenters of SpeakGaelic are unveiled
BBC presenters and social media stars, Joy Dunlop and Calum Maclean are to lead SpeakGaelic, a new language learning initiative aiming to transform take up of the language.
SpeakGaelic’s exciting and ambitious new Gaelic learning resources will provide a comprehensive framework for Gaelic language learning across TV, iPlayer, BBC Sounds, web, face-to-face classes, YouTube and other social media to attract and inspire learners and speakers.
Joy Dunlop, from the village of Connel in Argyll, is familiar to many who watch BBC Scotland and BBC ALBA as a regular weather presenter, musician and programme contributor.
Commenting on the announcement, Joy Dunlop said: “As a lifelong learner myself, I know how much of a rewarding challenge learning a language is, so to be part of a project that will be stimulating learners to put their Gaelic skills to use across such a wide array of learning methods is so exciting. I’m regularly asked ‘what is the best way to learn Gaelic?’ What is so ingenious about SpeakGaelic is that it really does offer a choice in how you learn, finding the way that suits you.”
Calum Maclean 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.
Calum, who will be contributing outdoor features to the SpeakGaelic programmes, said: “Just playing a part in helping other people learn and enjoy Gaelic is a privilege, particularly as this is a huge moment in what we offer to people who want to join us in being Gaelic speakers. I really love being able to pass on knowledge to those that are curious, particularly doing it my own way, building Gaelic into the great outdoors. The language, and the pull it has for so many people, is hugely rooted in our natural surroundings in Scotland, so it’s a natural step for the future of Gaelic learning to be coming from there too.”
SpeakGaelic’s project board chair, MG ALBA’s Iseabail Mactaggart, said: “SpeakGaelic is set to be the most comprehensive Gaelic learning initiative in a generation. It is a hugely exciting moment to be revealing that Joy and Calum – two brilliant and dynamic personalities – will be presenting the programmes. SpeakGaelic will be for all those with an interest in speaking the language, whether it is those whose learning journey is already underway, those who are less confident about their ability to speak, those new to Gaelic or those of us whose Gaelic learning journey will be lifelong. All of us in the partnership are excited about creating the opportunities through SpeakGaelic for everyone in the Gaelic community to #cleachdi! – to use their Gaelic.”
See www.speakgaelic.scot to sign-up for updates.
The theme of the MG ALBA Annual Report, released today, is one of celebrating hard work and achievement in difficult circumstances, whilst also warning of the challenges ahead for Gaelic media.
The report outlines a year of growth for MG ALBA, despite the impact on the organisation and its suppliers of the Covid pandemic; with BBC ALBA, LearnGaelic and FilmG all attracting increased engagement from audiences.
Across the financial year, BBC ALBA saw an increase in its core audience reach on television and BBC iPlayer in a year with significantly fewer live events and less sports coverage, traditionally popular offerings on BBC ALBA.
FilmG, MG ALBA’s annual Gaelic short film competition, saw a record number of entries with the awards ceremony broadcast exclusively on BBC ALBA for the first time ever in April 2021.
LearnGaelic, MG ALBA’s online Gaelic learning website saw record unique visitors across 2020 and a 26% increase from the previous year, with an upsurge of interest in learning Gaelic through lockdown.
In September 2021, MG ALBA will launch SpeakGaelic, a new and ambitious multi-platform Gaelic learning project, in partnership with the BBC, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and with funding from the Scottish Government and Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
In his Annual Report message, MG ALBA Chair Allan MacDonald, welcomed the positive year but raised the question of adequate finance being essential as Gaelic media looks to the future, stating:
“MG ALBA is currently holding discussions with the UK Government as they review the BBC Licence Fee Settlement in preparation for the next five years. It is of paramount importance to the future of Gaelic media that it should be adequately funded as a matter of public policy.”
Also looking to the future, Donald Campbell, Chief Executive at MG ALBA said:
“In 2021, we will publish our new five-year Lèirsinn: Route Map for Gaelic Media. At the heart of our vision is a commitment to serving all our audiences, including especially younger users of Gaelic who, in common with their generation, consume more of their content on devices and in short-form.
“The size of this task should not be underestimated. Funding for BBC ALBA is still not sufficient to provide a full service. I would highlight that BBC ALBA was able to provide only four hours of drama and comedy in the year just ended, and this is simply not enough to connect regularly with younger audiences. If BBC ALBA is to be consistently meaningful for younger audiences, additional investment must be found.”
Gaelic media has been recognised with 14 nominations for the 2021 Celtic Media Festival awards, including programmes from BBC ALBA and Radio nan Gàidheal, and the National Theatre of Scotland.
Two Peat & Diesel programmes were nominated; the documentary That’s the Way We Do It! and their Glasgow concert From the Barrow to the Barrowlands and producers MacTV also picked up a third nod for their Covid-special of An Lot, following the life of crofter Donald “Sweeny” MacSween.
BBC ALBA’s biographical documentaries were also in focus with nominations for Curaidh na Coille (Birdman of Pollok), Crodh Gàidhealach an Àird Bhàin (The Highland Cattle of Ardbhan) and a profile of Margaret Fay Shaw which earned two nominations, including one for the prestigious Spirit of the Festival award.
BBC Radio nan Gàidheal has also been nominated for station of the year alongside a nomination for the popular broadcaster Cathy MacDonald as Presenter of the Year.
Danni the Champion, a bilingual Gaelic and English film by the National Theatre of Scotland picked up a nomination in the Short Form category.
Margaret Cameron, Commissioning Editor & Head of Creative Collaborations at MG ALBA, said: “It’s great to see such distinctive Gaelic content being recognised. We know our audiences have loved these programmes and this recognition is hugely valuable. The Celtic Media Festival is a great showcase for multiplatform content and it is great to see such a range of diverse and exciting content from BBC ALBA being recognised by the festival. Congratulations to all.”
The Celtic Media Festival this year takes place online from 7-9 September.
The BBC ALBA programmes which have been shortlisted in 2021 are:
Arts
Peat & Diesel: That’s the Way We Do It! (Produced by MacTV)
Factual Entertainment
An Lot: An Glasadh (Produced by MacTV)
Feature Documentary (over 60 mins):
Crodh Gàidhealach an Àird Bhàin (Produced by TrixPixMedia)
History
Solas – Margaret Fay Shaw of Canna (Produced by National Trust for Scotland)
Live Music Programme: Peat & Diesel
From the Barrow to the Barrowlands (Produced by MacTV)
Single Documentary
Curaidh na Coille / The Birdman of Pollok (Produced by BBC Gàidhlig)
Spirit of the Festival
Margaret Fay Shaw of Canna (Produced by National Trust of Scotland)
In addition to its nomination in the category for Radio Station of the Year, BBC Radio nan Gàidheal also has several nominations across radio categories:
Radio Documentary
Fèin-aithne
Radio Magazine Show
Feasgar
Radio Music Programme (Live)
Mac IlleMhìcheil
Radio Sports
Spòrs na Seachdain
Radio Presenter of the Year
Cathy MacDonald
Glasgow School of Art graduate and MG ALBA apprentice Choirstaidh MacArthur stars in A’ Chùil, a brand-new series starting on CBBC ALBA where Choirstaidh, will share her artistic know-how with younger Gaelic viewers.
As a student at Glasgow School of Art, and working part-time hospitality shifts, Choirstaidh was struggling to find the chance to develop the skills she was learning at university – until the first lockdown.
“I’d always continued to make art while I worked in bars and restaurants but being on minimum wage meant I didn’t have enough money to print my artwork. Suddenly not having to work long, unsociable hours meant I could spend my evenings and weekends creating art.”
She said: “Although it would have been nice not have an awful global pandemic, it gave me the chance to have a bit of downtime and do what I enjoy, and all these great opportunities came along.”
Greenock-born Choirstaidh first came onto the BBC ALBA radar during this time as a lockdown-inspired project, A-staigh, gave voice to Gaelic-speakers across the country.
Using the opportunity to showcase her art, this caught the attention of the BBC ALBA commissioners who decided to try out Choirstaidh in her own little studio space called A’ Chùil.
This is her first time as a TV presenter and she said: “It was slightly daunting at first but after a couple of days things started to click and I began to understand how you do everything, so it became really interesting.”
Throughout the series, Choirstaidh gives viewers the chance to ask questions about art and find out about her own artistic inspirations.
“There’s a Frida Kahlo episode on self-portraiture and how you can make a picture of yourself out of the things you love most in the world and there is an episode on Hilma af Klint, an early abstract artist, and how you can draw without making a plan to get your feelings across.”
“We also do lots of fun crafts – we have an episode where we make our own fossils and we try continuous line drawing, where you look at an object, and without looking at the paper you draw with one continuous line.”
A’ Chùil brings the thinking behind some of the worlds great artists onto a tactile level, allowing young people to try things that they may never have thought of doing before.
“Art is ultimately not that difficult,” says Choirstaidh, “it’s all about being intuitive and making stuff. There’s something for all ages and there are opportunities to learn new skills. I hope children who maybe don’t get much access to art like A’ Chùil and find it lots of fun.”
A’ Chùil begins Tuesday 7 June at 16.45 on BBC ALBA, weekly until 9 September.
MG ALBA is paying respects to former board member (2008-2011) Professor Kenneth MacKinnon.
MG ALBA Chief Executive, Donald Campbell, said:
“Professor Kenneth MacKinnon was a hugely important and influential Gaelic academic whose research and insights are still being used today.
He served on the MG ALBA board at a critical time in the early years of BBC ALBA and helped to steer Gaelic broadcasting and indeed Gaelic development throughout his life.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”
MG ALBA is helping to celebrate Mìos nan Gàidheal / Nova Scotia Gaelic Month, with 2 short, Canadian Gaelic films being made available not only to BBC ALBA viewers, but worldwide on BBC ALBA’s YouTube.
The two films, The Espresso Machine and The Unhappy Pioneers will be available to view over the first week of May, to mark the beginning of Nova Scotia’s Gaelic month, through a partnership between MG ALBA and 1913 Films, who produced the shorts.
In The Espresso Machine, Ealasaid is faced with an awkward situation – her best friend Ailig has recently split up with his girlfriend, Una, but that’s not the only thing bothering her – Ealasaid loaned her fancy coffee machine to Una, and is now slightly concerned she might not see it again…
Two Scottish settlers are at the heart of The Unhappy Pioneers, having just arrived in Nova Scotia. It’s not exactly what they imagined, so they turn to the slimy land agent for some help.
Both films can be seen on BBC ALBA’s YouTube for 7 days, and more info about Mìos nan Gàidheal / Nova Scotia Gaelic Month can be found here.
A new series on BBC ALBA celebrates the rich tradition and history of Gaelic poetry and its continued relevance in the present day.
In this series called Dàn twelve people choose and read the poems that are most important to them or that have had an effect on them. The 12 programmes were made by Caledonia TV for BBC ALBA.
Caledonia TV Producer Ramsay MacMahon, said: “Poetry is so powerful. It can transport us to other places, it can remind us of a particular person or period in time and it can tell us about our history and the world we live in.
“There is a great breadth of the most beautiful Gaelic verse across the 12 short programmes. From humorous poems to lullabies, the famous Gaelic bards to lesser-known ones, from village poets to ancient poetry that we often hear sung.”
The entire series will be available on iPlayer from this Saturday, April 24. After that each programme will be broadcast on BBC ALBA each day at 7.55pm from Monday to Thursday starting on Monday, April 26 until Thursday, May 13.
The series will also be available to watch on BBC ALBA YouTube and an English and Gaelic version of each poem will be published on the BBC website, visit: bbc.co.uk/alba
Full listings:
Monday, April 26 – Ep 1: Scottish poet Peter MacKay, originally from the Isle of Lewis, is a lecturer in English literature at St Andrews University. He is an expert in Scottish and Irish literature from 1800 onwards, and especially in Scottish Gaelic literature. He talks about poetry and its importance. He discusses how Lewis poet Iain Crichton Smith has influenced him and reads the poem “Tha thu air Aigeann M’Inntinn.”
Tuesday, April 27 – Ep 2: Eilidh Cormack from the band Sian discusses and reads the poem “Thig Trì Nithean Gun Iarraidh” written by the Daughter of the Laird of Rèilig 300 years ago. She speaks about how its messages of self-respect and confidence in women are still as relevant today.
Wednesday, April 28 – Ep 3: Ross Christie talks about how he came across the work of little-known poet Katharine Whyte Grant from Oban. He reads her poem “Blàith-Fhleasg o Mhòd nam Maca-Meamna” and talks about how poetry has helped immerse him in Gaelic.
Thursday, April 29 – Ep 4: Mairi MacLeod talks about poetry’s ability to transport you back in time. She reads the poem “An t-Seann Dachaigh” by Elizabeth Sutherland from Skye which takes her back to her childhood in Skye and her memories of the oil lamps and peat fires in the houses.
Monday, May 3 – Ep 5: Catriona Murray, broadcaster, writer, editor and chair of the Gaelic Books Council, talks about how poetry can evoke memories of a person. She reads “An Luchag ‘s an Cat” which immediately reminds her of her cousin who is no longer alive. She vividly remembers him reciting the poem as a young boy at the Mòd.
Tuesday, May 4 – Ep 6: Martin MacGregor, senior lecturer in History at the University of Glasgow, talks about the value of poetry as a historical source for historians like himself. He reads the elegy and lullaby “Griogal Cridhe” by Marion Campbell which tells us much about clan rivalry in the Gaidhealtachd in the late 1500s.
Wednesday, May 5 – Ep 7: Iain MacKenzie talks about the link between poetry and place as he reads Derick Thomson’s poem “Air Mòinteach Shuardail.” Both the Isle of Lewis and South America are mentioned in the poem and Iain explains the historical link between the two.
Thursday, May 6 – Ep 8: Linda MacLeod reads the poem “Mar Chuimhneachan air Mo Mhac Ghràdhach” which was written by her great aunt, Morag MacDonald from North Uist, after losing her son. Linda talks about the solace her aunt gained from writing the poem.
Monday, May 10 – Ep 9: Roddy John MacLeod, Lord Minginish QC, is a Scottish solicitor and advocate and was born on from the Isle of Skye. He reads the poem “Òran Mòr MhicLeòid.” He talks about a time in history depicted in the poem when the old clan traditions placing importance on music were fading as the next generation of clan chiefs took over.
Tuesday, May 11 – Ep 10: For Melina Maclean the poem “Ban-Ghàidheal” by Sorley Maclean speaks to her on many levels. She reads the poem and talks about how she relates to the image of a woman carrying a creel of seaweed as her own ancestors would also have done.
Wednesday, May 12 – Ep 11: Rosemary Ward, Director of Programme at Scottish Book Trust, talks of the emotional pull a poem can have on you. She reads Donald MacDonald’s poem about Uist “Còmhradh an Eilthirich ris an Stuaidh” and describes how it makes her feel homesick as an islander who has left home.
Thursday, May 13 – Ep 12: Ewen Henderson, a Glasgow based musician from the band Mànran, talks about how a poem can inspire. He reads “Do dh’Arm Rìgh Sheumais” by Sìleas na Ceapaich and argues that the author’s empowering call to arms and gift for putting together strong opinions elegantly could be useful to us today.
Head to BBC ALBA’s Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for the latest updates about upcoming programmes.
BBC ALBA will bring some of Scotland’s most talented traditional singers and musicians straight into viewers’ living rooms this month with two exclusive programmes from special recordings at the Strathpeffer Pavilion to mark this year’s virtual Fèis Rois festival.
Two concerts will be shown on BBC ALBA, the first will feature all tracks from Lauren MacColl’s The Seer – a Fèis Rois commission from 2017. The music for The Seer was inspired by the life and prophecies of the Brahan Seer and the programme will mix performance and interviews. The second concert will showcase performances from some of Scotland’s top traditional and Gaelic music acts: SIAN, Mairearad & Anna and Project Smok. All bands feature former Fèis Rois participants and to mark the festival’s 35th anniversary the programme will feature interviews from former participants.
One of Scotland’s top arts organisations, Fèis Rois, will host an online festival for the second year running later this month from April 30 – May 3 which will be filled with music and song from Scotland’s best traditional musicians. The Dingwall based arts organisation cancelled its usual spring residential music events in Ullapool for the second year running due to Covid-19, but due to demand it’s back this year with an extended online event. With a wide variety of events including free workshops, concerts, lectures and sessions with musicians including Grammy nominated Irish fiddler, Liz Carroll, neo-trad trio Project Smok, Black Isle fiddler Lauren MacColl, Glenfinnan duo Iain MacFarlane and Ingrid Henderson, Kinnaris Quintet fiddler Laura Wilkie and Gaelic vocal harmony group, SIAN.
Fiona Dalgetty, Fèis Rois Chief Executive, said: “We have had an incredibly busy year at Fèis Rois pivoting our core work to take place online and developing new projects to support freelance artists across the country. We are delighted to be offering paid employment to more than 50 freelance musicians and creative practitioners through our 2021 Virtual Fèis Rois weekend. Following the success of last year’s event, we are working in partnership with BEEZR Studios Ltd to produce two special programmes for BBC ALBA.”
Ewan Duncan, assistant producer at BEEZR Studios Ltd in Glasgow, who produced these programmes for BBC ALBA, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Fèis Rois to bring this fantastic line-up of music programmes to BBC ALBA viewers.
“The past year has been especially challenging for singers and musicians so we’re pleased that we’ve been able to do our bit to support some of these amazingly talented people who just want to perform their music and bring a little joy to people’s lives through these tough times.”
Margaret Cameron, Commissioning Editor for BBC ALBA added: “BBC ALBA is the perfect home for these concerts and we’re pleased to schedule these exclusive concerts on the channel. We’re excited to be working with Fèis Rois on this project which feels like a very natural fit for BBC ALBA. With Beezr Studios we’re also working on other collaborative music projects that will showcase the diversity of Scotland’s musical talent and bring unexpected gems like these to our screens.”
Episode 1: Fèis Rois:The Seer – BBC ALBA, Friday, April 30, 9pm
Episode 2: Fèis Rois 2021 – BBC ALBA, Saturday, May 1, 9pm
Both programmes will also be available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days after they air.
Head to BBC ALBA’s Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for the latest updates about upcoming programmes.
MG ALBA, which operates BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC, has today announced key production contracts that will deliver a wide range of high-impact programming for the channel over the next three years.
Seven production companies will provide content for BBC ALBA and its digital platforms, including entertainment, music, children’s programmes and documentaries.
The contracts have been awarded to companies located across Scotland, including Stornoway, Aberdeen and Glasgow, and mark further significant investment in Scotland’s creative industries.
Agreements have been made in principle with the following companies:
• Mantra TBh (Factual Entertainment)
• Beezr Studios (Music & Events)
• MacTV (Factual/Factual Acquired)
• Caledonia TV (Factual/Factual Entertainment)
• Midas Media (Factual)
• Obh Obh Productions (Children’s)
• Solus Productions (Children’s)
The three-year model for these companies enables security of supply for the channel, as well as creating a stable foundation for companies to grow, including in some genres through international co-productions.
Margaret Cameron, Commissioning Editor & Head of Creative Collaborations at MG ALBA, said: “These new deals aim to ensure we can deliver on our ambition for high-impact content for BBC ALBA audiences in an environment that is increasingly competitive. The last year has seen BBC ALBA suppliers responding with agility and creativity in incredibly challenging circumstances, and our new agreements strengthen that capacity. The multi-year deals create stability and a basis for creative and commercial development.”
Calum Angus Mackay, Managing Director at Mantra TBh said: “The Mantra TBh team and myself are really looking forward to getting the chance to provide new creative programmes for BBC ALBA for the first time within this multi-annual production model.
“With MG ALBA’s unrivalled support, the multi-annual contract is a huge opportunity for Mantra TBh to fulfil its aims; to bring new talent and jobs to the channel, whilst providing captivating programmes for its audiences.”
Patricia MacLeod, director at Midas Media said: “Storytelling is at the heart of our company, and our team at Midas Media feels privileged and proud to be awarded this contract to produce factual programmes for BBC ALBA.
“The three-year deal will give us the platform to create impactful documentaries and allows us the opportunity to develop talent and skills from our base in Aberdeen. We look forward to sharing a range of diverse voices and stories from the northeast of Scotland and beyond, both nationally and internationally.”
Faye Maclean, Head of Gaelic at Caledonia TV said: “We are delighted to continue our fruitful relationship with BBC ALBA and MG ALBA and to have the opportunity to make further popular programmes for the channel’s audience.”
Alasdair MacCuish, Managing Director at Beezr Studios said: “Beezr are delighted to be working with MG ALBA to bring an exciting range of shows to BBC ALBA over the next three years. Scotland is bursting with musical creatives who continue to push boundaries and meld genres. The whole team at Beezr relish the opportunity to showcase this incredible talent on the Channel in the years ahead.”
Seumas Mactaggart, Head of Production and Development at MacTV said: “MacTV is looking forward to continuing our creative collaboration with MG ALBA, with a wide range of high quality, multi-platform documentative content over the next three years.
“The company structure recently changed, with the staff taking ownership of MacTV, and this contract with MG ALBA is a great opportunity to instil confidence in the team, whilst aiming to deliver new, high impact programmes for BBC ALBA’s audiences.”
May Smart, Company Director at Obh Obh Productions said: “Obh Obh Productions are delighted to have been awarded a contract to continue in partnership with BBC ALBA to produce exciting children’s television. We look forward to putting our expertise and state of the art facilities to good use.”
Tony Kearney, Director at Solus Productions said: “Solus have successfully and consistently provided BBC ALBA’s young audiences with top quality, re-versioned children’s Gaelic animation to the highest standard of writing, performing and production values since 2013.
“This new multi-annual deal with BBC ALBA will build on this success, enhancing and encouraging continued expansion of existing talent bases and afford Solus Productions the possibility of offering further employment to Gaelic-speaking production talent and Voice-over artists”
