News > 2008

MG ALBA welcomes Culture Minister

MG ALBA was pleased to welcome Linda Fabiani, Minister for Europe, External Affairs & Culture, on her visit to Stornoway today, Friday 04 July 2008.
The Minister met staff from MG ALBA and BBC Scotland, the two organisations that are working together to create the new Gaelic Digital Service, to get an update on progress towards the launch of the service this autumn. She also visited the studios of Mactv, one of the independent production companies making programmes for the new service.

Alan Esslemont, MG ALBA’s Head of Content, is tasked with delivering the creative vision for the new television service. He welcomed the Minister’s visit, saying:

“This is an exciting time for everyone involved in the Gaelic Digital Service and we’re pleased to have the Scottish Government’s encouragement as we approach the launch of a new channel that will bring high quality content, including sport, music, documentaries and children’s programmes, to viewers in Scotland.”

Commenting on the visit, Ms Fabiani said:

“The Scottish Government is fully committed to supporting MG ALBA. Gaelic is an integral part of Scotland’s culture and the new digital channel is central in ensuring Gaelic’s promotion as a living language. The new station will also supply invaluable support for Scotland’s independent media sector by ensuring companies who work in Gaelic, such as MAC TV here in Stornoway, are sustained. I look forward to the launch of the new channel later this year.’’

Duncan MacInnes, interim chairman of the MG ALBA Board, said:

“We are delighted by Linda Fabiani’s continuing support for Gaelic broadcasting and her enthusiasm for the forthcoming Gaelic Digital Service. Government support is vital in ensuring that we can develop a service that is available to viewers throughout Scotland on all digital platforms.”