NEWS > 2006

7 February 2006

Executive change at Gaelic Media Service

The Director of the Gaelic Media Service, John Angus Mackay, will relinquish his post in June of this year. Announcing this decision Neil Fraser, GMS Chairman, said: “John Angus wishes to be free to pursue other interests and responsibilities. He has made an outstanding contribution not only to Gaelic broadcasting but to Highlands and Islands and Gaelic development in general over the past 30 years. In recent years he has been a lead player in the campaign to establish a Gaelic television channel. The Gaelic community is indebted to him for his diligence and dedication. The Board of GMS is grateful for his assiduous efforts on behalf of the organisation and of the Gaelic radio and television audience. We wish him well in his future endeavours. His considerable talents and experience will be an asset to any enterprise with which he is associated.”

Mr. MacKay said: “Now that a Gaelic channel and a new structure for Gaelic broadcasting are imminent, the time is right for me to pursue other opportunities and undertake new challenges. The quest for a better deal for Gaelic broadcasting has been demanding but exciting. My enjoyment of it has been due in large measure to the support of an excellent staff and of successive Boards.

Neil Fraser said that the search for a new head of the Gaelic Media Service will proceed in parallel with organisational restructuring in anticipation of the new channel and the continuing discussions regarding a GMS-BBC partnership to manage and operate it.

BBC Scotland Controller Ken MacQuarrie said: “Through his work with Comataidh Telebhisean Gàidhlig, Comataidh Craolaidh Gàidhlig and the GMS, John Angus has led the way on a whole range of projects. His contribution has been of immense value and benefit to Gaelic audiences and to the Gaelic community as a whole."