First Minister John Swinney has announced funding of £690,000 for Gaelic broadcasting ahead of a visit to the Western Isles.

The cash will help transform MG Alba Stornoway into a cutting-edge Gaelic media and creative hub, while supporting energy efficiency improvements to ensure the facility is fit for the future.

The First Minister will undertake a number of visits and engagements during his trip to the islands, including the deep-water terminal in Stornoway, Hebridean Housing Partnership, Western Isles Hospital, and community projects in North and South Uist.

John Swinney said: “Our £690,000 investment will create a new creative centre for Gaelic media at the site of MG Alba’s Stornoway headquarters, putting them ahead of the curve and ensuring they can continue to provide high-quality Gaelic content.

“Our islands are also at the forefront of harnessing Scotland’s renewables potential to build a sustainable energy future. The deep-water terminal in Stornoway is a significant and impressive piece of infrastructure, supported by Scottish Government funding, that will unlock the island’s economic potential both as a green energy gateway and a cruise ship destination.”

The First Minister will arrive in Lewis this evening before undertaking engagements on Friday. He will travel to North Uist and South Uist on Saturday.