Inverness’s Eden Court has welcomed the return of live audiences in Scotland, with performances from some of the finest traditional acts on offer being showcased on BBC ALBA this autumn.
Under Canvas signifies the return of a long-awaited platform for some of biggest names in Scottish traditional music to be playing in front of live audiences, and BBC ALBA will be bringing those performances to even more fans eager to see their favourite acts performing again.
Some of those who took to the Under Canvas marquee that will be showcased on BBC ALBA include Gaelic folk singer Mischa Macpherson, pipe maker and musical pioneer Malin Lewis in Malin makes Music, contemporary folk quintet Eabhal, Brian Ó hEadhra & Fionnag NicChoinnich, Josie Duncan, The Canny Band, Iona Fyfe and supergroup McKerron-Brechin-Ó hEadhra.
Malin Lewis, from Plockton in the West Highlands, is a former student of Plockton Music School. With a style which spans genres, but rooted in the pipe traditions of the west coast, Malin is an upcoming star of the traditional scene.
Highlights from Under Canvas will be brought to BBC ALBA by presenter and renowned Gaelic singer Ellen MacDonald, who is well known as a singer in the band Dàimh is also one of three female singers with the traditional band Sian.
Ellen said “Live music is so integral to Gaelic culture, so it’s just brilliant to see it’s return after such a long period of uncertainty. The Scottish traditional music community showed it’s resilience over the past year, and so to be a part of bringing these musicians and live audiences back together is a real honour.”
Iain Macleod, from program producer BEEZR Studios which is based in Glasgow, said: “The team at Eden Court have been tremendously supportive from the start and we couldn’t ask for a better partnership. It’s been a rewarding relationship for us and working with a flagship arts and cultural organisation has been everything we’d hoped for.”
Under Canvas marks a considerable milestone for the Scottish music and events industry after a year of uncertainty, with Eden Court and programme curators Fèis Rois hoping that the festival is the beginning of music’s return to normality.
Seona McClintock, Producer, Gaelic and Traditional Arts at Eden Court, said: “Organising a festival like Under Canvas this year has been challenging, but it’s worth the effort to see live performances once again.
“We are thankful to our talented acts that have been performing all summer, and to the audience that have put their trust in us to provide a safe and welcoming event, and who have come out to the festival in droves!”
Under Canvas will be on BBC ALBA at 9pm Sat 28 August & Sat 4 September, and available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days afterwards.
Scotland’s premier women’s sport magazine show Women’s Sport 360 returns this week, hosting some of the country’s brightest athletic talent on BBC ALBA’s digital platforms.
World relay champ and commonwealth medalist Lee McConnell sits down with host Iona Ballantyne in the first episode of the new series, looking back at the athletic performances from the Tokyo Olympics.
Also featured in the first episodes is young Scottish swimmer Katie Shanahan, six times medal-winner at the European Junior Championships.
With Team GB’s most decorated swimmers ever returning from Tokyo this year, Katie hopes to maintain their legacy with her sights set on the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Also appearing is young sprinter Alyson Bell, a quadruple European World Junior Champs gold medalist.
The series will continue to cover the latest news and developments in women’s sport in Scotland – and internationally – with a range of guests throughout the remainder of the year.
This latest series of Women’s Sport 360 joins BBC ALBA’s unrivalled roster of women’s sport programming, with live coverage of SWPL games coming up this Autumn.
Lee McConnell, retired Scottish track star said: “It’s so great to get the chance to be involved with Women’s Sport 360, and to be putting women’s sporting achievements in the spotlight.
“When I started out in the world of sport there was nothing like this, so it’s really encouraging to know that the youngsters featured on the programme are being given the opportunity and platform to highlight their achievements and experiences right at the beginning of their respective careers.”
Margot McCuaig, executive producer of BBC ALBA’s sports provider, Nemeton TV, and broadcasting stalwart of women’s sport said: “We’re honoured to be bringing another series of Women’s Sport 360 to the screen. It’s always a pleasure to be working with sporting role models, and ensuring that women’s sport is getting the representation it deserves.
“For over a decade now, I’ve worked to bring the stories of female athletes to the fore, and 360 is an important step in that journey, allowing women to become their own storytellers, sharing a platform from where they can showcase their talents and inspire and empower future generations in the process.”
Iseabail Mactaggart, Director of Multiplatform Content for BBC ALBA, and executive producer of the channel’s sports output said: “We’re proud at BBC ALBA to celebrate and amplify women in sport, and we’re really excited to be building on Women’s Sport 360’s presence on BBC iPlayer, BBC ALBA YouTube and social media. Every story told, every journey described is inspiring and we’re delighted to continue to champion women in sport on BBC ALBA.”
Women’s Sport 360 will be available weekly on BBC iPlayer and BBC ALBA’s YouTube from Thursday 12th August.
BBC ALBA and the Camanachd Association, the world governing body of shinty, today announced details of the shinty games being broadcast by BBC ALBA in 2021.
The specific games selected for live coverage are:
• Artemis Macaulay Cup Final, Mossfield Park, Oban
o Sat 21st August – throw up time 4.10pm
• Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Semi-Final 1, venue TBC
o Sat 28th August – throw up time 4.10pm
• Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Semi-Final 2, venue TBC
o Sat 4th September – throw up time 4.10pm
In addition to this, the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup final will also be televised live by BBC ALBA with a highlights package to follow on BBC Scotland as part of a new partnership between BBC ALBA, BBC Scotland and the Camanachd Association which will see enhanced live and highlights of the showpiece final.
• Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final, Mossfield Park, Oban
o Sat 18th September – throw up time 2.15pm
Iseabail Mactaggart, BBC ALBA’s Director of Multiplatform Content, said: “It’s great to see shinty coming back to our screens and BBC ALBA are delighted to bring our audiences live coverage of the Camanachd Cup Final for the very first time.”
Derek Keir, Camanachd Association CEO said: “This agreement allows us to bring our historic sport to new audiences in living rooms throughout Scotland. We are pleased that despite the challenges that exist moving beyond the pandemic that we have been able to secure this broadcast agreement for 2021.”
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.
