News > 2009

LIVE SHINTY ON BBC ALBA

BBC ALBA and the Camanachd Association today (Tuesday, 17 February) announced a package of five live televised shinty games over the summer months.

The package will cover key dates in the shinty calendar with a series of live broadcasts of cup finals taking place throughout June, July and August. The specific games selected for live coverage will be finalised and announced shortly.

Discussions regarding the live coverage of a ‘Champion of Champions’ cup event are at an advance stage between MNE MEDIA, the production company producing sports programmes for BBC ALBA and the Camanachd Association. This match can form part of the live cup package, being one of the five games broadcast on BBC ALBA.

BBC ALBA is a partnership between the BBC and MG ALBA, the Gaelic Media Service.

Alan Esslemont, head of content for BBC ALBA, said: “I am delighted that BBC ALBA will be providing coverage of live shinty cup matches throughout summer months. Summer is the best time to transmit live matches as many winter matches get cancelled due to poor weather conditions. This allows us to focus on providing a high quality package where shinty fans can tune in each week to enjoy exciting cup finals.

“Live coverage of shinty will enhance our comprehensive sports package which will include a package of three live televised First Division football matches, as well as the ‘as-live’ broadcasting of SPL matches on Saturday nights.”

Donald Stewart, Director (Communications) for the Camanachd Association said: "I am also delighted that The Camanachd Association, the world governing body for shinty, is participating in bringing more live shinty to our increasing number of fans on BBC ALBA's new and innovative channel."

BBC ALBA’s support for the sport will continue with two new shinty documentaries titled 'Lean gu Dlùth', being broadcast in the lead-up to the live season.

The programmes will follow Hugh Dan Maclennan, Scottish broadcaster and sporting academic, who will take us on his personal journey of shinty and examines the game, its history and looks to the future with well-known commentator John Willie Campbell, Skye star of contemporary Shinty Sorley MacDonald, Skye expert Donald Martin and Shinty stalwart Archie Fraser.

All matches will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA on Saturdays from 5.30pm – 7.30pm, dates to be confirmed. BBC ALBA is available on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat channel 110.