BBC ALBA productions have been recognised at the Royal Television Society Scotland’s annual awards ceremony this week, after securing nominations across the festival categories.

Eòrpa, BBC ALBA’s flagship European current affairs programme secured an award in the News and Current Affairs for its enlightening instalment examining the Highlands’ involvement in the slave trade.

Produced by BBC Scotland Productions, the programme brought historical testimonies to light, and helped to unveil some of the realities around Scotland’s involvement in the Atlantic slave trade.

Eòrpa presenter, journalist & historian, Ruairidh MacIver, said: “This programme was a team effort and I’m very thankful to RTS Scotland for recognising our work in this way. I’d like to thank the historians, such as David Alston and Iain Mackinnon, who were so generous with their time and research. Particular thanks to Graham Campbell, Karrie Prescott, Jack Shehata and Philomena de Lima, who helped us understand the impact the legacy slavery still has today.”

Also recognised by the Royal Television Society was purpleTV’s sports documentary Na Boireannaich a Thog Glasgow City/The Women Who Built Glasgow City, looking at the story behind the founding and early success of Glasgow City FC.

Margot McCuaig, Director at purpleTV said “I am utterly thrilled that The Women Who Built Glasgow City has secured this award. Whilst it’s personally rewarding, it is also an important message affirming that women’s stories matter.

Women’s voices have been marginalised for too long and this documentary, telling the remarkable story of Laura Montgomery and Cas Stewart, is evidence of the central role women in sport have played, and continue to play, in Scottish culture and society. It is an absolute privilege to have amplified their voices for BBC ALBA audiences.”

BBC ALBA Head of Service, Margaret Mary Murray, said: “It’s testament to the consistent high quality of programming created by BBC ALBA’s producers that six entries from six companies were nominated for RTS Scotland Awards this year.  

“We are immensely proud of them all but are delighted for the Eòrpa and  PurpleTV teams who won the news & current affairs and sport categories with compelling and inspirational programmes. Our congratulations also go to all of the RTS Scotland 2021 nominees and winners.”