WIREDGOV

DFM announces funding to develop studio facilities in Stornoway.

Scotland’s Gaelic media service has been awarded £500,000 from the Gaelic Capital Fund.

MG ALBA will use the investment to redevelop the Seaforth Road Studio in Stornoway to provide improved facilities for programming which will be used to increase training in creative digital media, learning, arts and cultural heritage.

Funding will enable MG ALBA, which operates BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC, to develop a training programme for young people with an interest in working in the media.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:

“I have been very impressed with MG ALBA’s ongoing vision and commitment and I am pleased to announce this investment in its Stornoway operations.

“As well as supporting this government’s aims for the Gaelic language, the funding will bring economic benefits for the Isle of Lewis and create opportunities for young people interested in a career in the media. It also recognises the important role of arts and media in promoting Gaelic as a living language used by people every day.”

Chair of MG ALBA Maggie Cunningham said:

“MG ALBA are delighted to receive this additional support from the Scottish Government. The Gaelic television industry continues to be an impressive economic driver in the Highlands and Islands and this funding will enable further great content and will help facilitate development in skills, training and facilities within the media sector”.

Background

The Gaelic Capital Fund aims to help meet demand for Gaelic across Scotland. Since its inception it has helped deliver the expansion of all stages of Gaelic education across Scotland and supported Gaelic projects such as the Islay Gaelic Centre. 

BBC ALBA launched in September 2008 and went live on Freeview in June 2011.

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for Gaelic and has an ambition of returning the number of speakers of the language to those reported in the 2001 census by 2021.