With the prospect of normality on the horizon, BBC ALBA takes to the great outdoors to showcase some of the best of Scotland’s natural environment in a selection of captivating programmes this Easter.
Highland adventure photographer and filmmaker Calum Maclean, who is best known for his wild swimming adventures, will be exploring Scotland’s most stunning views, which he will be attempting to capture through a viewfinder in Dealbh is Slighe | Picture Trail.
Calum (32), based in Aberfeldy, will also be exploring the ways in which many of us returned to nature to help deal with the impact of Covid-19 in Trusadh: Air ais gu Nàdar | Back to Nature. Calum will be joined by guests who share their own experiences of the outdoors over the year.
Calum meets up with renowned Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis, for a run on Loch Ness side. Julie shares how she has used nature and exercise as an escape from the challenges of 2020, and the emotional and physical gap left by cancelled gigs and festivals.
Islander and ‘real-life’ mermaid Kate MacLeod continues to dive into her natural surroundings, sporting her distinctive mermaid tail to explore the folklore and history of her native Uig on the Isle of Lewis. This series captures stunning footage of the stretching golden sands, crystal clear aqua-marine water and brooding hills in Miann na Maighdinn Mara | Mermaid Tales.
And for those planning summer holidays, look no further than Mach à Seo for staycation inspiration.
From the hidden history of East Lothian to the rugged geology of Mull on the West Coast, host Ramsay McMahon leaves no stone unturned on his intrepid weekend adventures around Scotland.
BBC ALBA is embracing the energy and vibrancy of spring, with these fabulous programmes broadcast from April into early summer. As the days begin to get longer and the sun begins to shine brighter, viewers are sure to be inspired by BBC ALBA.
Bill MacLeod, Commissioning Editor for BBC ALBA, said: “We’ve seen how important it is to people during these challenging times to be getting into nature however they can, so it’s great that BBC ALBA can offer such a strong selection of programmes for those who are missing pursuits farther afield, and to inspire post-lockdown adventures.
“Gaels are renowned for their connection to nature and love for the beauty of the natural world, so we’re really happy that we can make such a special contribution to this with our spring time schedule.”
Dealbh is Slighe | Picture Trail airs from 10 April at 10.50pm for 10 weeks.
Trusadh: Air ais gu Nàdar | Back to Nature airs on 5 April at 9pm.
Miann na Maighdinn Mara | Mermaid Tales continues each Tuesday at 8.30pm.
Mach à Seo continues each Wednesday at 10pm.
All programmes will be available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days after broadcast.
Music lovers can watch a full version of ‘The Last Dance’ concert film which captures Runrig’s farewell concert at Stirling Castle when it airs on BBC ALBA for the first time this April as part of a special weekend of programmes about the band.
The sell-out gigs in August 2018 were filmed live in front of 50,000 fans by Glasgow based digital entertainment company Blazing Griffin.
This exclusive programme on BBC ALBA will show the full three hours of concert which was filmed at the iconic and historic location of Stirling Castle.
Formed in 1973 on the Isle of Skye, Runrig’s rise to fame in the 1970’s and 80’s as Scotland’s most successful folk and rock band culminated in a career spanning 45 years.
They produced 14 studio albums and took Gaelic music from the village halls of the Highlands to arenas across the world including Canada and New York. They held sold-out concerts at some of the world’s most prestigious venues such as New York’s Times Square, London’s Royal Albert Hall and Edinburgh Castle.
Runrig – The Last Dance also features performances by some other well-known and talented Scottish musical guests including Julie Fowlis, Duncan Chisholm, Laura McGhee, Gary Innes, Dave Towers and the Glasgow Gaelic Islay Choir.
Donnie Munro, Runrig’s lead singer from 1974 to 1997, joins the band on stage during the show much to the delight of fans.
Runrig founding member Rory Macdonald who lives in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, said: “It’s the love of performing that kept the group going for over 45 years. Our farewell performance brought all this to a close – a shared, visceral experience that will stay with me forever. In many ways, our bond with the fans has been our success and this film illustrates this throughout.”
His brother Calum from Ross-Shire, added: “During these uncertain times it may be hard to feel connected with the communities we love most. We hope that the Runrig community and our fans will feel a sense of togetherness when they watch our farewell concert on BBC ALBA and that it will help raise the spirits.”
Steven Little, The Last Dance concert film producer at Blazing Griffin, said: “We’re so pleased to see the full 3-hour concert film released on BBC ALBA, it’s the perfect platform to reach out to Runrig’s local fans. I was delighted to work on this production, it captures the magic of the band and provides the tribute the band was looking to give to their fans. It’s an incredibly uplifting and lively concert film, I just know that Runrig fans are going to love this.”
Margaret Cameron, Channel Editor at MG ALBA, said: “BBC ALBA is delighted to have a weekend of Runrig content to offer our audiences with the jewel in the crown being the full The Final Dance concert. It’s been great to work with Blazing Griffin and to be able to bring this exceptional moment to BBC ALBA.”
Runrig -The Last Dance is on BBC ALBA on Saturday, April 3 at 8pm.
Air an Oir, a classic programme from the BBC ALBA archive which looks at the roots of Runrig’s musical influences will also be shown on BBC ALBA on Friday, April 2 at 9pm and an archive concert Runrig – City of Lights will air on Sunday, April 4 at 9pm. All programmes will also be available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days after they air.
A film by a wild-swimmer and all-round outdoors enthusiast exploring how lockdown made him feel has scooped a major award at FilmG 2021, the Gaelic Short Film Competition.
Highlander Calum Maclean (32), a photographer and TV presenter, reflects on the strangeness of the Covid-19 lockdown and expresses his frustration at feeling stuck at home 24/7 in his film Am Bruadar.
It shows the filmmaker shrinking down to enjoy an epic, poetic adventure around his garden to reflect how his world feels a lot smaller because he’s unable to travel as far as he normally would.
Calum said: “I’m surprised and very pleased to win. I spent so long working on the film that for a while I actually hated the end product!
“I filmed myself on green screen and then got footage around the garden, and not a lot of it worked. But eventually it came together and looked semi-legit, and I can watch it again now!
“I think the FilmG Awards are brilliant, especially this year, when we’ve been stuck inside, it’s been important to stay creative. I love seeing so many young people making films, too. You never know what they will do after that initial spark.
“It’s also great to see young people using Gaelic outside of school, for something creative. I think that’s important.”
The award winners were revealed tonight (Friday, March 19) via a specially made TV show hosted by FilmG and BBC ALBA stalwarts Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald.
This year’s competition received a record 104 entries, across 17 categories (spanning both open and youth), with a total of 41 films shortlisted.
A youth film spoofing the morning news programmes of BBC Radio Nan Gàidheal has won the People’s Choice category. Thairis na Maidne by Jonathan MacDonald and Lachlann MacLeod, shows the children acting as radio hosts – and pensioners – as they bring local headlines from Staffin in Skye.
This film, made by young actors from the north end of Skye, received three separate awards on the night proving it was both a public and judge’s favourite. Although, as we heard in the programme young actor Lachlann is more focussed on a career as a crofter rather than on the small screen!
Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust), from the Isle of Lewis, have retained the Best Community Film award they got last year. While 2020’s effort dealt with climate change, this year’s effort, Sgìre le Spiorad looks at a how a local shop helped pull the community together during lockdown.
Their film tells the story of Cross Stores, who started doing local deliveries of food and other essentials to vulnerable people in the community who were shielding during the pandemic and the community-owned estate filmed a short film to celebrate the owners and their staff.
There’s some great music, too, with new Gaelic rapper Hammy Sgìth from Glasgow winning Best Performance with a reversioning of the Gaelic ditty Brochan Lom – a fine slice of Gaelic hip-hop spanning everything from conspiracy theories to new Gaelic catchphrases.
The awards will be available to view on the BBC iPlayer for the next 30 days, with a repeat on BBC ALBA on Monday evening at 10.30pm (March 22nd)
The full winners are as follows:
People’s Choice Award (open across both Open and Youth categories) Thairis na Maidne by Jonathan MacDonald and Lachlann MacLeod. A take on the morning news programme on Radio Nan Gaidheal (Aithris Na Maidne).
OPEN CATEGORY
Best Film Am Bruadar by Calum MacLean. An imaginative look on escapism and adventures through lockdown.
Best Student Film Janni, Air Muir is Tir by Innes MacLeod. A film about Janni Diez (Gàidhlig officer at Gaelic University Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and her love of the outdoors.
Best Community Film Sgire le Spiorad by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn. A look at Cross Stores and the work they did through lockdown to get provisions to older members of the community. This local community group won the same award last year.
Most Promising New Director John Nicholson for Bron. A drama about a fishing bag washing up on the beach and two brothers, one of which has a dark secret.
Best Mobile Short Conntraigh by Tanca Aonghais. A look at the wildlife on the shore after the tide has gone out.
Best Performance Brochan Lom by Hammy Sgìth. Ooh aah Slainte mhath! – it’s the man with the Gaidhlig rapping skills.
Best Script Aiseirigh by Fiona J NicCoinnich. A mixture of new and existing poetry set to the views of Canna.
YOUTH CATEGORY
Best Youth Group Film Na Cèicean Blasta, by Craighill Primary School in Tain. A take on Little Red Riding Hood. A wolf steals Red Riding Hood’s cakes. A court case ensues and the outcome isn’t as bad for the wolf as first though.
Best Film Na Cèicean Blasta, Craighill Primary School.
Best Production Claidheamh Cutach by Finlay MacDonald and Silas Brown. Two duelling strangers unite to defeat the evil queen.
Best Performance Johnathan MacDonald in Thairis Na Maidne.
FilmG Gaelic award for fluent speakers Thairis Na Maidne . Jonathan MacDonald and Lachlann MacLeod. 3 awards in total for this film.
FilmG Gaelic award for learners Sealladh Ùr by Sgoil Bhàgh a’ Chaisteil. A young woman struggles to read, but her view is transformed with the help of a friend.
International Representative Aonaichte by Nuala MacDonald. A look at loneliness and the power of friendship.
Best Documentary Bhon Làimh Chun a’ Bheòil by Eoin Cuimeanach. A documentary about catching and eating your own food.
Best Young Filmmaker Tadhal Air Taibhsean by Finlay Morrison. A ghost hunt in a spooky old house.
For more information, www.filmg.co.uk
Further updates can be found on FilmG’s Social Media Channels:
facebook.com/filmgalba/
instagram.com/filmg_alba/
twitter.com/FilmGAlba
Reflecting on the news today that Euryn Ogwen Williams has died, MG ALBA Chair Allan MacDonald said:
‘Euryn has been described today as a giant of Welsh broadcasting, and that is in no doubt. His legacy, eminently visible in S4C, reflects his commitment to the Welsh language and securing its place in the broadcasting and digital world.
His active approach to minority language provision went beyond Welsh, and here at MG ALBA we remember his supportive role in the early days of Comataidh Telebhisean Gàidhlig, which continued to the present day. We remember him with sincere gratitude for his work, and his kindness.
Our thoughts are with his family, his colleagues and friends at this very sad time.’
The winners of this year’s prestigious Gaelic Short Film Competition FilmG will be revealed on BBC ALBA from 9pm on Friday, March 19 via a new, specially created, awards programme.
Traditionally a live ceremony is held for the awards at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow, but this year, for the first time, a special awards programme will announce the winners on BBC ALBA.
FilmG Project manager at Cànan Graphics Studio, Debbie Mackay, said: “The current restrictions meant that getting everyone together for our usual live ceremony was not an option this year. However, it’s great to celebrate the wonderful films and all the hard work that was put into making them on BBC ALBA. We’re also looking forward to seeing how everyone is celebrating across our social media platforms!”
This year’s competition has received a record 104 entries, with a total of 41 films shortlisted across 17 categories, including the people’s choice award, the only award which is decided by a public vote.
The show will be hosted by FilmG and BBC ALBA stalwarts Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald.
As well as the awards, viewers will also hear from Lana Pheutan, Rachel MacKay and Hannah McKirdy from the BBC Radio nan Gaidheal podcast Aig Astar about how they prepare for the FilmG awards, and filmmakers Hamish MacLeod and Coinneach MacFhraing share how their FilmG success last year has helped them reach the next level.
Project supervisor Murdo MacSween, Communications Manager at MG ALBA, said: “FilmG has always been an inspiring event, with filmmakers showing their passion and creativity all through the medium of Gaelic. This year, we’ve seen a remarkable number of entries and the awards will give many of the filmmakers their first opportunity at being featured on TV, an important milestone for anyone.”
Now in its 13th year, FilmG has been the platform for many people now working within the Gaelic TV and film industry.
FilmG 2021 is on BBC ALBA on Friday, March 19 from 9.00pm and will be available to watch on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days afterwards.
FilmG 2021 Shortlists:
BBC ALBA’s long-running Gaelic drama series Bannan has been picked up for a North American launch by streaming service MHz.
Announced by producers Young Films and the sales distributors, Videoplugger, the series will stream on MHz Choice in the USA and Canada from early March 2021.
This follows the success of the launch of Episodes 1 – 18 in France, where a further 10 episodes of the show have now also been sold.
BBC ALBA’s flagship drama Bannan has now broadcast 7 seasons in the UK and the producers hope to shoot the eagerly awaited 8th series in September this year.
Set in a Scottish island community and shot on the Isle of Skye, the character driven drama brings to life the challenges of rural life in a new and contemporary way.
The series has tackled a number of challenging and thought-provoking storylines including child grooming, terminal illness and of course BBC ALBA’s first ever murder.
Chris Young, founder of Skye-based Young Films and producer of Bannan, said: “Once again we see the power of our Gaelic drama to touch people thousands of miles away with different languages and culture from our own.
“Audiences in the USA, Canada and France can connect with characters like Màiri and Ceitidh and their emotional journeys.
“Whether subtitled in English or French or dubbed in Breton these stories resonate as strongly abroad as they do at home.
“And with a new American audience we are confident that Bannan will travel further around the world and reach an even wider viewership.”
Margaret Mary Murray, BBC ALBA’s Head of Service, said: “Bannan is a hit with viewers in Scotland and it’s exciting that we are able to share that success with international audiences and that they too can enjoy our language and rich culture of storytelling.”
Susan Strand, Digital Content Producer, MHz said:” This is a gripping, evocative drama, a door into the Scottish Gaelic culture.”
Emanuele Galloni, CEO Videoplugger said: “We are happy that Bannan has been given its North American premiere on MHz, we believe this show has a truly universal appeal.”
A new, wide-ranging, multi-faceted learning brand has been announced, offering the most comprehensive approach to learning Scottish Gaelic in a generation.
SpeakGaelic will launch from autumn 2021 with a course, a dedicated on-demand learning website and complementary programming across BBC ALBA platforms, including BBC ALBA YouTube, ensuring international availability.
This new brand will offer the most significant transformational change to learning and using Gaelic in almost thirty years and is set to be a focal point for adult learners and speakers.
Aimed at increasing the uptake and usage of Gaelic, the project will launch in four stages across 2021-2023, each directed at a different proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) scale of A1, A2, B1 and B2.
SpeakGaelic will offer users the option of face-to-face classes, self-guided online learning, and media content through a variety of platforms – or all three at the same time. It will never have been easier to learn and use Gaelic. As well as complete beginners, SpeakGaelic will be aimed at enabling lapsed or less confident speakers to use their Gaelic with confidence.
The initiative will complement and extend the range of options already available to learners through other sources, such as LearnGaelic, existing formal courses and the wonderfully successful Scottish Gaelic offering on Duolingo. Duolingo’s success, with around 600,000 registered users learning Gaelic, the doubling of LearnGaelic’s website users, and a surge in interest in Gaelic both in Scotland and internationally, will allow SpeakGaelic to offer an integrated structure at a crucial time.
SpeakGaelic will be delivered by media organisation MG ALBA, with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture in Skye as lead academic partner, and the BBC as media content provider.
SpeakGaelic is funded by the Scottish Government; the principal body for promoting Gaelic development, Bòrd na Gàidhlig; the BBC; and MG ALBA, which delivers BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC. It will be delivered over a three-year period at a cost of £2.4 million in total.
Iseabail Mactaggart, Director of Multiplatform Content at MG ALBA, said: “SpeakGaelic is an unprecedented partnership initiative to deliver a unique combination of ways for people to take up – and improve – their Gaelic. This is exciting, and important for the future of Gaelic. All of us at MG ALBA are proud to be a part of an initiative we hope will prove game-changing for the future of the language. I’m also personally really looking forward to using all the resources to improve my own Gaelic.”
Marsaili MacLeod, Vice Principal & Director of Studies at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, said: “SpeakGaelic will transform the landscape for Gaelic learning – the partnership is creating structured, accessible and media-rich learning materials. It will support our teaching community, from private tutors to Councils and community groups to Universities. It will support our community of learners and Gaelic speakers, welcoming anyone who has an interest, connection or love of the language to take part.”
Margaret Mary Murray, Head of Gaelic Services at the BBC, said: “SpeakGaelic will be a fresh and modern approach to learning on the BBC’s Gaelic services, enabling digital, audio and video content to integrate seamlessly and align with formal academic courses. SpeakGaelic will offer a fantastic new service for audiences on BBC ALBA, iPlayer, Radio nan Gàidheal, Sounds and BBC ALBA YouTube.”
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “This is an excellent project and I am pleased the Scottish Government is able to support SpeakGaelic. This comprehensive and ambitious scheme will have benefits for Gaelic speakers and learners in all parts of Scotland – and all over the world. I am also pleased to note the partnership working in place behind the project and look forward to seeing this work progress.”
Shona MacLennan, Chief Executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “We very much welcome this collaborative and innovative project which supports the main aim in the National Gaelic Language Plan that Gaelic is used more often, by more people and in more situations. It will enable new learners and existing users to enhance their skills and to put their Gaelic to use in a practical way. BnG’s #cleachdi (#useit) initiative ties in with SpeakGaelic and I would encourage everyone who feels that they would like to speak Gaelic more to make use of the resources available through our website.”
Staffin Primary School
FilmG, the Gaelic short film competition, received over a hundred entries in 2020, as budding young filmmakers from across the country took to their cameras to produce inspiring work.
As well as the volume of entries – 104 in total, FilmG organisers MG ALBA and Skye-based Cànan Graphics Studio (CGS) were impressed by the diversity of those entries, including the first ever entry from the Isle of Man in their native Manx Gaelic.
FilmG continues to leverage new technology and further its commitment to supporting young people with their creative endeavours to create films whilst developing practical and creative skills through the medium of Gaelic.
Filmmakers were supported with virtual workshops, online resources and Augmented Reality workbooks right up until the deadline. Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the national Gaelic development and advisory body, also gave additional support to the project so that young people across Scotland could continue to engage with the workshops and mentoring offerings, despite the Covid-19 restrictions.
Judging this year has also adapted with the times, taking place entirely over video conferencing. The judges scrutinised each of the entries for storytelling skill, creative use of language and visual impact to create a shortlist of entrants. The judges will then select the finalists and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday, March 19.
There won’t be a physical ‘live’ awards ceremony this year due to Coronavirus so the FilmG awards will be premiered on BBC ALBA for the first time ever on Friday, March 19, 2021. The ceremony will be filmed in Stornoway this year and presented by Fiona Mackenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald.
Debbie MacKay, Project Manager at CGS, said: “With the number of entries we’ve accepted this year, the FilmG judges had quite a job on their hands! The quality has been remarkable, and it was evident how much work our entrants had put into their films, and how much enjoyment they got from making them. Shortlisting and choosing winners will be no easy task.”
Project supervisor Murdo MacSween, Communications Manager at MG ALBA, said: “Like many similar events, FilmG faced it’s most uncertain year ever in 2020 and to see a record number of entries shows how much the competition is valued. The feedback we’re getting from schools and filmmakers show just how important it is that young Gaels have creative outlets like this and we’re incredibly proud of everyone involved.”
The FilmG Team would like to extend their thanks to all those who have entered the competition and are grateful for all the positive messages sent from schools before the festive season.
Voting is open across both the Youth and Open categories and can be found on the FilmG Website:
Further updates can be found on FilmG’s Social Media Channels:
www.facebook.com/filmgalba/
www.instagram.com/filmg_alba/
twitter.com/FilmGAlba
BBC ALBA will be offering a range of programmes to support learning. Titles such as Baile Mhuilinn, A’ Bhùth, Leugh le Linda, Aithne air Ainmhidhean and Saidheans Spòrsail will be screened in the daily CBeebies and CBBC ALBA schedule with all programmes being made available through iPlayer after transmission.
Additional programmes will also be made available within a learning collection on BBC ALBA’s iPlayer channel from 11th January through to 2nd April. This will include primary content with a focus on maths, numeracy, literacy and history. The collection will also include a range of Bitesize video content produced in Gaelic for primary maths, science, literacy and social studies.
Further learning resources for primary and secondary school children at National 5 and Higher is accessible through the Bitesize website, bbc.co.uk/bitesize with pre-school resources available through bbc.co.uk/cbeebiesalba, and CBeebies and CBBC ALBA content can also be found on BBC ALBA’s YouTube channel.
BBC ALBA is set to be the channel of choice this Christmas with a mix of programmes for the whole family, the centre piece of which will be the traditional ALBA Hogmanay ceilidh – socially distant but live, and simulcast on BBC Radio nan Gaidheal and worldwide via the BBC iPlayer.
Across the festive period, BBC ALBA will offer a wealth of personal stories. In NY2SY broadcaster Niall Iain MacDonald recounts his incredibly dramatic and life threatening experience as he set out to row across the Atlantic.
Two special documentaries, Dystonia: Beatha air Fhiaradh and Lipoedema – Lorna’s Story, share moving and candid testimonies from two people with life-changing illnesses. For almost 40 years, DK MacPhee has lived with dystonia, leaving him unable to straighten his head. This has impacted on many aspects of his daily life. Lorna Taggart from the Isle of Skye has spent a lifetime battling the condition lipoedema; a fat cell disorder for which there may be life-changing surgery.
At this time of year, we all look forward to watching the very best films, and courtesy of Cinema Gadelica presented by Patsi MacKenzie, we will discover some fascinating film trivia about the famous and infamous filmmakers who have been drawn to the spectacular scenery of Scotland, even when masquerading as exotic locations in films ranging from James Bond to 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Seasoned comedy writer Iain Macleod, known from the hit Canadian series Trailer Park Boys brings us two quirky Gaelic short films, both shot in Nova Scotia. The Espresso Machine and The Unhappy Pioneers deal with awkward situations and even more awkward individuals.
BBC ALBA programmes will also showcase professions, passions, traditions and phenomena rooted in and linked to the Highlands and Islands with fisherfolk, blacksmiths, poachers and amateur rally drivers as well as the elusive Aurora Borealis all under the spotlight.
And there is plenty programming to keep youngsters entertained during the holidays. Starting with a powerful and touching animation, Sol. On Christmas Day, treats include the much-anticipated new Julia Donaldson animation, Zog, and the real-life adventures of Lena, a young crofter in the Isle of Harris, who is on a special mission!
To finish the year, catch the gorgeous animated film from Studio Ghibli on its UK premiere, Ronja, the Robbers Daughter, written by the creator of Pippi Longstocking, on New Year’s Eve from 6pm.
Later that evening we will take a wry look back at the year that was in Siud Agad E 2020 (There goes 2020) followed by Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire hosted by Cathy MacDonald in Glasgow and Niall Iain MacDonald in Stornoway. They will be joined by some special international guests alongside Trail West, Sian, the Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band and Peat & Diesel who usher out the old and welcome the new in style.
BBC ALBA’s Head of Service, Margaret Mary Murray, said: “We are sure our special selection of programmes will offer the best company over the coming weeks with stories of interest, intrigue and inspiration. There will be time for reflection, reminiscing and joyous celebration as we invite you to join us each day this Christmas on BBC ALBA”
Find more information about the festive schedule here
Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr bho BBC ALBA! / Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from BBC ALBA!
