MG ALBA, the body responsible for ensuring the availability of high-quality television programmes for audiences in Gaelic, is pleased to welcome four new members to its Board.

David Byrne, Catriona Murray, Lachlan Peel and Calum Steele will join as board members from May 1, 2024. Full biographies of each board member are available below.

The appointments have been agreed by Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth MSP, following a competitive recruitment process led by communications regulator Ofcom in Scotland.

Lisa Annette, Mairi Kidd, Ceit-Anna Macleod and Iain MacMillan each step down at their term on MG ALBA’s Board ends.

John Morrison, chair of MG ALBA, said:

“David, Catriona, Lachlan and Calum bring a wide array of talents, skills and experience from media, broadcasting, the public and private sectors, and we are delighted to welcome them to the Board.

“Through our work on BBC ALBA, FilmG, LearnGaelic and SpeakGaelic, MG ALBA has a vital role in not only facilitating Gaelic media but also promoting development, training and the use of Gaelic in Scotland and beyond – bringing with it huge social and economic benefits.

As a Board, we believe we are ready and able to build on this contribution with further investment and resources and this is a case we look forward to making with the input of our four new board members.

On behalf of the Board and staff and colleagues across the sector, I would also like to thank Lisa, Mairi, Ceit-Anna and Iain who conclude their terms with us. Their involvement has been vital in the success of our activities in recent years and we express gratitude for their time and commitment to serving our audiences.”

New appointees – Biographies

David Byrne

A Gaelic speaker from Inverness, David is an entrepreneur and 360° sustainable travel editor. His expertise has led to broadcast work with the BBC, ITV, and LBC, with his writing appearing in publications such as The Sun and The Scotsman. He is a postgraduate alumnus of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, where he also worked in a development role before joining BBC Scotland, working on the multi-award winning current affairs programme, Eòrpa. He is currently vice chair of the Hillhead High School War Memorial Trust.

Catriona Murray

A freelance broadcaster, producer and editor with over 35 years of production experience at the BBC with credits as both a producer and presenter on numerous feature programmes on literature, the arts, music, history and language. Catriona is also a published Gaelic author and served as the Chair of the Gaelic Books Council from 2017 – 2021. She is a native Gaelic speaker based in Glasgow.

Lachlan Peel

A product of Gaelic Medium Education, Lachlan currently works for JP Morgan in Edinburgh having graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in History. During his time at school, Lachlan competed in the short film competition, FilmG, where he won ‘Best Student Film’ and ‘Best Performance’ and has since continued to support the initiative as a judge.

Calum Steele

A recognised senior leader having spent fifteen years as General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation until 2023, where he developed and influenced policy both in Scotland and globally, including the merger that created the Police Service of Scotland. Prior to this, Calum was a police constable and remains on the International Council of Police Representative Associations. He is a native Gaelic speaker currently based in Dollar.