News > 2009

27 July 2009

NEW FACE OF BBC ALBA

Scotland’s Gaelic digital television channel has a new presenter with Moira MacDonald set to make her debut as BBC ALBA’s on-screen Continuity announcer.

Fiona & Moira
Moira MacDonald (right) deputising for regular presenter Fiona Mackenzie (left) on BBC ALBA.

Moira MacDonald (24) originally from Fort William but moving to Inverness at the age of four, will deputise for regular presenter Fiona Mackenzie who will be on placement over the summer months filming as a presenter for Air an Rathad, the motoring show produced by Eyeline Media for BBC ALBA.

Following a year at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Moira moved to Glasgow during which time she worked at Glasgow Gaelic School and at Deiseal Ltd, who devised and manage the Ulpan Gaelic language learning course. Moira has also spent some time with An Comunn Gàidhealach, organisers of the Royal National Mod and with mneTV where she worked on the Ceòl Country music series.

Alan Esslemont, Head of Content at BBC ALBA, said: “We are delighted to have secured Moira for this role on BBC ALBA. Moira has previous experience in front of the camera and being continuity presenter for a summer placement will allow Moira to develop her presenting skills further. Moira will learn a lot from working closely with Fiona Mackenzie who remains as the channel’s permanent presenter.”

Moira MacDonald said: “This is a great opportunity for me and I am very much looking forward to working as part of the BBC ALBA team over the summer. Fiona Mackenzie makes it all look very easy and I hope to be as successful as she has been in the role since the channel came on air last September.”

Following a period of training Moira will be seen on-screen for the first time on Saturday 8th August introducing a programme schedule with highlights including Ann an Còi5, where young Gaelic speakers present five minute programmes on topics they’re passionate about; Na Drobhairean, a Scottish History Series on the drovers and drove roads of Scotland; Seachd, The Inaccessible Pinnacle and Fonn mo Bheatha music and chat programme presented by Cathy Ann MacPhee with guest Julie Fowlis.